On Sunday, we reported on allegations from Portugal that Ipswich Town was attempting to outbid Sporting CP for Fotis Ioannidis.
The Lisbon club has been pursuing Panathinaikos’ striker for months, hoping to protect themselves from a potential Viktor Gyokeres departure this summer.
That is not to indicate that the former Coventry City player is for sale, but rather to ensure that Sporting is not decimated if a club offers roughly €100 million for him.
Sporting were not facing any serious competition until Ipswich Town showed along. Initially, the Blues offered €22.5 million, which was rejected due to a large number of complicated bonuses, was seen positively.
According to Monday’s issue of A Bola, the Liga Portugal club has already offered €18 million in cash, with the hope that €20 million will enough. However, the arrival of a new Premier League club looks to have unsettled Panathinaikos’ transfer fee ambitions.
Ioannidis is now expected to cost more than the €22.5 million promised by Ipswich, but only on a straight fee basis.
The 24-year-old is thought to be interested in joining Sporting and has already signed to a five-year contract with the club. He probably believes he can grow in the same way as Gyokeres.
Meanwhile, if Ipswich Town wish to try again, they must drop part of their bonuses. It would come as no surprise if one related to Premier League survival, which would affect Panathinaikos.
