PAOK Secure Hatzidiakos Signing as FC Copenhagen Defender Returns Home

The journey between FC Copenhagen and Pantelis Hatzidiakos appears to be coming to an end, with the Danish champions reportedly reaching an agreement with PAOK Saloniki for the defender’s permanent transfer.

According to Tipsbladet journalist Farzam Abdolhosseini, Hatzidiakos is set to join the Greek Super League giants after the two clubs reached a deal believed to be worth around €1.5 million (11 million Danish kroner).

The Greek international defender is expected to complete his medical in Greece before finalising his move to PAOK.

Hatzidiakos leaves Copenhagen after two seasons

The 29-year-old centre-back initially joined FC Copenhagen on loan from Cagliari in 2024 before the Danish club made the transfer permanent for a reported €1.5 million fee.

During his time at Parken Stadium, Hatzidiakos experienced both success and disappointment.

He was part of the Copenhagen side that secured the Danish domestic double during the 2024/25 season, winning both the Danish Superliga and Danish Cup.

However, the following campaign proved far more difficult, with the club struggling domestically and eventually dropping as low as seventh place in the Superliga table, forcing them into the relegation play-offs.

Reduced role before Copenhagen departure

Hatzidiakos remained an important figure early in the season, starting 19 of Copenhagen’s 22 regular-season matches.

However, his involvement decreased during the closing stages of the campaign, with the defender starting only six of the club’s final 14 matches across the regular season and play-offs.

Despite the reduced role, Hatzidiakos leaves Denmark having made a significant contribution.

The defender, who still had a contract with FC Copenhagen until 2028, made 85 appearances for the club, scoring five goals during his time in the Danish capital.

Experienced defender returns to Greece

The move represents a return closer to home for Hatzidiakos, who has represented Greece at international level on 41 occasions.

Before arriving in Denmark, the centre-back spent the majority of his career in the Netherlands, developing at AZ Alkmaar.

Hatzidiakos came through the AZ system and spent his first nine professional seasons with the Eredivisie club, before making the switch to Serie A side Cagliari in 2023.

Now, after spells in Italy and Denmark, the defender is set to begin a new chapter with PAOK, bringing experience from several European leagues to the Greek side’s defence.