Maccabi Tel Aviv is very interested in Nick Klatis, but even if the 33-year-old center is released from Barcelona, it seems that tough competition is expected. Apart from Fenerbahce who also want to get their hands on him, it is reported in Greece that Panathinaikos also entered the race.
Last night, eccentric owner Dimitris Inacopoulos announced that he would return to support the team, and after two years in which the luxury club has set low budgets, the goal is to return to signing players with big money. According to SDNA, Pau initially marked two stars who have already played on the team in the past: Mario the prostitute and Clatis.
The Mundo Deportivo reported this morning that Klatis himself is the one who initiated the request to leave, after quarreling with Sharonas Jasikevicius in the last part of the season. According to the report, “Klatis and Sharas can no longer work together,” so the Greek is interested in embarking on a new path away from the coach who is set to continue for another season. Barcelona will consider his request and will not necessarily object, given the fact that his high salary (expected to earn about 1.7 million euros next season) burdens the budget framework that the club is trying to reduce.
Klatis, who played for Pao for eight years spread over two different terms, is considered the team’s last local symbol, and his return will surely help to harness the fans anew for the benefit of the team.
Also, according to the SDNA report, Olympiacos is also expressing interest in Clathis and may make him an offer if he is released from Barcelona.