Rafa Benitez is poised for a significant career move, nearing a contract with Greek football club Panathinaikos. The 65-year-old Spanish manager, who has been without a club since leaving Celta Vigo in 2024, is ready to make his return to European football.
Benitez’s Potential Deal with Panathinaikos
Recent reports from Sport24 indicate that Benitez is very close to finalizing his new role with Panathinaikos. He arrived in Athens recently to discuss the terms of his contract with club president Giannis Alafouzos.
Contract Details
Benitez is expected to sign a two-and-a-half-year contract valued at approximately £11 million. This lucrative deal showcases the club’s ambition to reestablish itself in European competitions.
Panathinaikos’ European Legacy
Benitez will join a club with a rich history in European football, having reached the finals of the European Cup in 1971. They narrowly lost to Ajax with a score of 2-0 at Wembley. Additionally, Panathinaikos has made significant progress in the Champions League, reaching the semi-finals in 1996 and the quarter-finals in 2002.
Upcoming Challenges in European Competitions
- Panathinaikos is competing in the Europa League.
- Benitez has prior success in European tournaments, including a previous stint as a champion.
Benitez’s hiring comes at a time when the Greek club is looking to enhance its competitiveness in Europe. The former Liverpool and Chelsea manager will begin his new chapter just as key rivalries are heating up in Greece.
Recent Developments
During his visit to Athens, Benitez was seen alongside Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, who also has ties to Panathinaikos’ rival, Olympiacos. They both attended a match where Panathinaikos suffered a 2-0 defeat against Arsenal.
With this impending signing, Benitez’s return to coaching promises to inject fresh energy into Panathinaikos and set the stage for intense competition in one of Europe’s storied football rivalries.
