Cardiff City midfielder Manolis Siopis is on the verge of making a permanent move back to Greece, with Panathinaikos, a Super League powerhouse, close to securing his signature. Siopis, a Greece international, made the move to Cardiff in the summer of 2024, after essentially buying out his contract at Trabzonspor to reunite with his former Alanyaspor manager Erol Bulut. However, the transition to the Championship has not been as seamless as expected, with Siopis facing challenges adapting to the league’s demands.
Despite showcasing some impressive performances recently, the departure of Bulut in September raised speculations about Siopis and fellow player Dimitrios Goutas seeking opportunities elsewhere. Reports from Greece in November hinted at Siopis’s desire to return to his homeland. With Cardiff securing new talents like Ajax’s Sivert Mannsverk and witnessing the emergence of Calum Chambers in midfield, Siopis’s playing time was projected to decrease. Additionally, the impending return of David Turnbull and Aaron Ramsey from injury, along with Joel Colwill’s readiness for a starting role next season, further influenced Siopis’s future at the club.
At 30 years old, Siopis has amassed 64 appearances for Cardiff, establishing himself as a key figure in midfield. However, with the recent investment in Yousef Salech and the need to balance the books, a permanent departure for Siopis seems like a strategic move for the club. The midfielder, who boasts 36 caps for Greece, has expressed a keenness to return to his home country, where he is highly respected. He is currently undergoing a medical in Greece, with Cardiff having reached an agreement for his exit.
Siopis’s potential transfer marks a significant development for Cardiff City, signalling a reshuffle in their midfield dynamics. As the club prepares for a new chapter, fans await further updates on Siopis’s move and the implications it may have on the team’s composition. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story as the transfer window deadline approaches.