Spanish Defender Aritz Elustondo Joins Greek Club PAOK Thessaloniki
Aritz Elustondo, a 31-year-old defender and former Real Sociedad captain, has signed a multi-year contract with Greek Super League side PAOK Thessaloniki after his contract was not renewed. The move ends his long tenure at Real Sociedad. PAOK, which finished third last season, aims to strengthen its defense under coach Alessio Lisci. Elustondo will wear the number 6 jersey and is expected to play in UEFA Europa League qualifiers this summer.
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Aritz Elustondo Joins PAOK After Leaving Real Sociedad
Aritz Elustondo, a 31-year-old defender from Beasain, has left Real Sociedad after the club declined to renew his contract beyond June 30. Ending his dream of being a one-club man, he has signed his first overseas contract with Greek Super League side PAOK Thessaloniki through 2028. He will wear the number 6 jersey and play under Italian head coach Alessio Lisci, who specifically requested the signing due to his familiarity with Elustondo from Spanish football. PAOK finished third in the Greek league last season and is preparing for the UEFA Europa League preliminary rounds this summer, raising the possibility of Elustondo facing his former club Real Sociedad in European competition.
FútbolAritz Elustondo Signs with PAOK Thessaloniki After Real Sociedad Departure
Real Sociedad defender Aritz Elustondo has signed a new contract with Greek club PAOK Thessaloniki, marking his first move to a different team in many years. The 31-year-old Spanish defender, who wore the captain's armband and had expressed a desire to be a One Club Man, was informed by Real Sociedad on May 5, 2026, that his contract would not be renewed. His deal with the txuriurdin club ran until June 30, 2026. After evaluating offers, Elustondo chose to join PAOK Thessaloniki, coached by Alessio Lisci, who previously managed Osasuna. PAOK, which finished third in the Greek Super League last season, has already begun preseason training. Elustondo will immediately join the squad and is expected to be available for PAOK's upcoming Europa League qualifier this summer. He will continue wearing the number 6 jersey.
LALIGA EA Sports // marcaAritz Elustondo Joins PAOK Thessaloniki After Real Sociedad Departure
Former Real Sociedad defender Aritz Elustondo has officially signed with Greek club PAOK Thessaloniki after the Spanish side decided not to renew his contract, which expired on June 30, 2026. The 32-year-old txuriurdin player had expressed a desire to be a 'One Club Man' but accepted the move when renewal was not offered. He will wear the number 6 shirt for PAOK, a team that finished third in the Greek Super League last season and is set to compete in a Europa League qualifying round this summer. PAOK's head coach Alessio Lisci, formerly of Osasuna, is familiar with Elustondo, and the defender has immediately joined preseason training to be match-ready as soon as possible. The transfer marks the end of Elustondo's long tenure at Real Sociedad, where he played for many years.
LALIGA EA Sports // marcaAritz Elustondo Joins PAOK Thessaloniki After Leaving Real Sociedad
Aritz Elustondo, a defender from Beasain, has officially signed a new contract with Greek club PAOK Thessaloniki, marking his first move away from Real Sociedad after the Spanish club's management decided not to renew his contract. The 31-year-old, who previously wore the number 6 jersey for Real Sociedad, will continue to wear the same number for PAOK. The transfer was confirmed on June 28, 2026, with Elustondo posing in his new team's colors. The article, published by Marca's La Liga section, highlights the end of his long tenure at Real Sociedad and his new chapter in Greek football.
LALIGA EA Sports // marcaAritz Elustondo decides to join Greek club PAOK Thessaloniki
Aritz Elustondo, the 30-year-old center-back and former Real Sociedad captain, has decided to join historic Greek club PAOK Thessaloniki after being released by Real Sociedad. The defender, now a free agent, attracted interest from several Spanish Primera División clubs but chose the foreign market for its attractive financial contracts and competitive opportunities. PAOK prioritized reinforcing their defense and has secured Elustondo's approval. The move reflects a trend of Spanish players over 30 seeking lucrative international contracts after long tenures at their boyhood clubs. Elustondo is expected to play in Thessaloniki next season pending final negotiations.
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