Leonardo Koutris (foto: uradna spletna stran kluba)
Celje are searching for new full-backs, with Leonardo Koutris linked as Žan Karničnik and Juanjo Nieto move closer to exits.
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Celje are preparing for a significant reshuffle in the full-back positions, with Greek defender
Leonardo Koutris emerging as one of the names linked with the Slovenian champions.
The club enjoyed major success last season with Juanjo Nieto and Žan Karničnik playing key roles on the flanks. Both gave Celje rhythm, width and attacking presence, becoming important figures in the way the team built attacks under Albert Riera.
Riera made excellent use of their attacking qualities, with both full-backs regularly moving high up the pitch and creating problems for opposition defences.
Karničnik and Nieto close to exits
As things stand, Celje could begin the new season without either of their first-choice full-backs.
Both Karničnik and Nieto are expected to become free agents in less than a week, and current indications suggest the chances of either player staying at the club are very slim.
That situation has increased speculation around possible replacements, with several names already being mentioned in connection with Celje.
Koutris linked from Cyprus
According to Cypriot outlet Meridian Sports, Leonardo Koutris is “very high” on Celje's list of targets.
The 30-year-old left-back was most recently at Polish club Pogon Szczecin, where his contract has expired, making him available as a free agent.
Koutris has also reportedly received interest from Cypriot club Apollon, meaning Celje may face competition if they decide to move for him.
Former Olympiacos and Greece defender
Koutris was born in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, the same city as legendary Brazilian midfielder Socrates, but he developed as a footballer in Greece.
He came through the Greek football system and later reached Olympiacos and the Greek national team.
During his career, he has also played for Mallorca in Spain and Fortuna Düsseldorf in Germany, giving him experience across several European leagues.
Last season, he made 33 league appearances for Pogon Szczecin in Poland.
Diounkou also mentioned
Koutris is not the only full-back linked with Celje in recent days.
Reports from Cyprus have also connected the club with Alpha Diounkou, a 24-year-old Senegalese right-back who is leaving Omonia after the expiry of his contract.
Omonia are currently considered one of the leading candidates to sign Karničnik, which adds another layer to Celje's developing full-back market.
With both wide defensive positions potentially opening up, Celje's recruitment in this area could become one of the club's most important tasks before the new season begins.