Panathinaikos sign Rick van Drongelen for around €5.5 million:
According to Vi.
Context
Rick van Drongelen, 27, began his career at Sparta Rotterdam and had spells at several European clubs before making a name for himself at Samsunspor. His evolution in the Süper Lig, where he became a key player, attracted the attention of top clubs, culminating in his transfer to Panathinaikos. This move not only represents an advancement in his career, but also a significant investment for the Greek club.
Why this matters
The signing of Rick van Drongelen by Panathinaikos represents a significant step in its reinforcement strategy for next season. With a history of solid performances in the Süper Lig, the Dutchman brings experience and quality to the squad, which could be crucial to the club's ambitions in the Greek Super League. Furthermore, the transfer highlights the competitiveness of the transfer market, where clubs like Trabzonspor were also interested.
Main conclusions
- Panathinaikos closes Rick van Drongelen for around €5.5 million:.
- Rick van Drongelen leaves Samsunspor for Panathinaikos in a deal worth around 5.5 million euros and will sign for four seasons following a medical in Athens.
- Miljoenentransfer Van Drongelen: van Samsunspor naar Panathinaikos.
Panathinaikos secured the signing of Rick van Drongelen, with an agreement reached with Samsunspor for a value of around 5.5 million euros, a value not including any performance bonuses. The 27-year-old Dutch player is expected in Athens in the coming days to undergo medical examinations and finalize the signing of a contract valid for four seasons.
The transfer comes after a very positive cycle for the Dutchman in Türkiye. After three consistent seasons with Samsunspor, Van Drongelen received interest from several clubs, including Trabzonspor, who presented multiple proposals. However, Panathinaikos came forward with a higher offer and ended up reaching an understanding with the Turkish club, accelerating a dossier that was already moving this market.
The Athens emblem, one of the historic teams in Greek football, thus reinforces its squad with a player on the rise in recent seasons. The operation, which should be made official after the usual series of medical examinations, also reinforces the ambition of Panathinaikos, which recently secured the signing of Stefan de Vrij, another big name in Dutch football.
Rick van Drongelen's career began in the Netherlands, at Sparta Rotterdam, where he left as a young player for Hamburger SV in 2017. This was followed by spells at Union Berlin, KV Mechelen and Hansa Rostock, before moving to Samsunspor in 2023. In Turkey, he established himself with solid performances over three seasons, which earned him a prominent status and, now, a transfer to a top Greek club.
The agreement between Panathinaikos and Samsunspor has been finalized in the main details, with only formalization remaining after medical examinations in Athens. If no unforeseen circumstances arise, Van Drongelen will sign a contract for four seasons, thus taking the next step in his career. For Samsunspor, the deal represents an important inflow of revenue, while for Panathinaikos it means guaranteeing a reinforcement identified some time ago as a priority for this window.
With this operation practically completed, Panathinaikos continues to be active in the market, seeking to balance experience and competitive strength. Van Drongelen is preparing to embrace a new challenge in a different championship, after demonstrating consistency in the Turkish Süper Lig and once again attracting attention on the European scene. The next few days should bring official confirmation of the deal and the player's presentation to fans in Athens.
What happens next
After completing his medical in Athens, Rick van Drongelen is expected to sign a four-year contract with Panathinaikos. This move not only strengthens the club's defense but could also open doors for future signings as Panathinaikos look to cement themselves as a dominant force in Greek football. The arrival of Van Drongelen, along with Stefan de Vrij, indicates a clear intention to raise the level of the team.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Rick van Drongelen?
Rick van Drongelen is a 27-year-old Dutch player who made a name for himself in Turkish football with Samsunspor.
Where does Rick van Drongelen come from?
Rick van Drongelen joins from Samsunspor, where he played for three seasons.
Why did Rick van Drongelen sign for Panathinaikos?
Rick van Drongelen signed with Panathinaikos to reinforce the squad of one of the historic clubs of Greek football, after a positive cycle in Turkey.
What is the transfer fee for Rick van Drongelen?
Rick van Drongelen's transfer to Panathinaikos was agreed for around 5.5 million euros, not counting any performance bonuses.
When will Rick van Drongelen's transfer be made official?
The transfer must be made official after medical examinations, which are scheduled for the next few days.