Europe will wait: Why Panathinaikos insists on Kings Kangwa
Greek media explains: AEK backed out of the Zambian because he was "burned" for European competition after the match against Vikingur, but "the Greens do not care that he will not be able to play in Europe."
Greek media outlets explained on Friday why, unlike AEK Athens, which abandoned the acquisition of Kings Kangwa because he would be ineligible to play for them in Europe, Panathinaikos is not at all concerned.
Kangwa is expected to move to Panathinaikos for approximately 3.8 million euros, though the package includes bonuses that could increase the total amount received by Hapoel Be'er Sheva to 4.5 million euros.
AEK Athens was very keen to sign Kangwa, but once Hapoel Be'er Sheva fielded him against Vikingur, he became "burned" for the Greek club, which would not be permitted to register him for the Champions League qualifiers. Reaching the league phase of the Champions League is a primary goal for the club, especially after their dismal 2018/19 campaign, where they lost all their group stage matches with a total goal difference of 2:13.
Panathinaikos is also competing in Europe, specifically in the Conference League qualifiers, but as the publication protathlima explained:
"At Panathinaikos, there is no such urgency as at AEK, which is fighting for tens of millions of euros in the Champions League qualification playoffs. From the perspective of the 'Greens,' the main goal is winning their first championship title since 2010, so they have no problem with Kangwa being unable to play in European competition."
Kangwa is expected to play for Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the return leg against Vikingur, where the Israeli side will attempt to stage a comeback following their 2:1 loss in the first game. In Be'er Sheva, reaching the league phase of a European tournament is a key objective, and if they overcome the Icelandic side, they will guarantee at least a spot in the Conference League.
It remains unclear whether the sale of Kangwa to Panathinaikos will be finalized immediately after the second match against Vikingur, but Be'er Sheva is preparing for his departure regardless and is actively searching for a replacement.
