Baptiste Santamaría arrives in Thessaloniki to complete PAOK transfer after agreeing medical and pending contract signature
French midfielder Baptiste Santamaría has landed in Thessaloniki to undergo a medical and finalise his move to PAOK, signalling a season-long deal with an option.
Baptiste Santamaría, the Valencia midfielder, arrived in Thessaloniki on Sunday to complete a move to PAOK and will undergo medical tests before signing a contract with the Greek club. The transfer, reported by Greek sports outlet Sport24, is expected to be for one season with an option to extend for a further year. Santamaría’s arrival ends a period of limited action at Valencia and sets him up to compete in PAOK’s domestic and European campaigns.
Santamaría arrives in Thessaloniki for medical
Santamaría touched down at Thessaloniki airport shortly after 18:00 on Sunday and is scheduled for the customary medical and physical examinations ahead of a formal contract signing. Club sources and local reports indicate the player will complete the fitness checks before a final agreement is registered between the clubs. The medical marks the final administrative step before PAOK can announce the acquisition.
Greek media coverage has framed the move as a pragmatic signing for PAOK, which is balancing domestic ambitions with European commitments. For Santamaría, the trip to Thessaloniki represents an opportunity to reset his career after a season of sparse playing time at Valencia. The timing allows him to integrate ahead of PAOK’s preparation for the new campaign, including Europa League qualifying fixtures.
Contract details and transfer terms
Sources report the deal on the table is for one season with an option to extend for a further campaign, giving PAOK flexibility depending on early-season performance. Valencia and the player have reportedly explored mechanisms to facilitate the transfer, though a full mutual termination or a free release has not been confirmed. Negotiations between the two clubs have centred on facilitating Santamaría’s departure while protecting Valencia’s contractual interests.
Santamaría joined Valencia from Stade Rennais last summer under a structure that included no fixed fee but contained conditional add-ons tied to objectives. Those original terms informed Valencia’s approach to his exit, as the club balanced sporting needs and financial prudence. For PAOK, the possible short-term contract with an extension option reduces long-term risk while allowing the coaching staff to assess Santamaría in competitive settings.
Not in Corberán’s plans at Valencia
Valencia’s coach Carlos Corberán did not see Santamaría as part of the club’s core midfield group for the coming season, prompting the player to seek regular minutes elsewhere. The club’s midfield list, featuring Guido Rodríguez, Aliou Dieng and Pepelu, left Santamaría with limited prospects for playing time in LaLiga. That lack of opportunity underpinned discussions to facilitate his move to Greece.
During his season at Valencia Santamaría made only brief appearances, including a two-minute outing against Levante where he was deployed at centre-back due to an injury to a teammate. That cameo underscored his marginal role and the difficulty of carving a consistent place in Corberán’s preferred matchday squads. Given the competitive depth Valencia assembled in midfield, a transfer became the most viable route for the player to secure meaningful minutes.
Playing time and Valencia spell
Arriving from Rennes with the objective of adding experience and equilibrium to Valencia’s midfield, Santamaría’s impact fell short of initial expectations. He was brought in to shore up the centre of the pitch but found himself on the periphery as the season progressed. Limited starts and substitute appearances left Santamaría without a sustained run of games to build rhythm and influence.
His move from Stade Rennais was structured to reflect potential upside through performance-related payments, indicating Valencia’s initial belief in his potential contribution. Those plans, however, did not translate into regular selection, and the summer offered a natural moment to reassess his place at the club. For Santamaría, the transfer to PAOK presents a chance to return to a starting role and reestablish consistency.
PAOK’s project under Alessio Lisci
PAOK appointed Italian coach Alessio Lisci on June 22, and the 40-year-old former Osasuna manager is shaping the squad ahead of a campaign that includes European qualifying rounds. Lisci’s arrival signals a fresh tactical approach for the Thessaloniki club as it seeks to navigate domestic competition and the Europa League qualifiers. Santamaría’s profile — a midfielder known for positional discipline — fits a coach seeking balance and control in the centre of the park.
PAOK will enter the season with European ambitions that place extra value on a deeper, more experienced squad capable of rotation and tactical adaptation. Lisci’s first months at the club have involved evaluating potential additions who can contribute immediately and provide tactical flexibility. Santamaría’s professional background in top European leagues offers the kind of experience Lisci can deploy in high-stakes qualifying fixtures.
Tactical fit and expected role at PAOK
Santamaría is likely to be considered for a defensive or central midfield role where ball progression and positional stability are priorities. His game profile includes disciplined positioning, the ability to recycle possession, and a readiness to support both defensive phases and transitional play. At PAOK, he can provide cover for established starters and compete for a starting berth depending on form and fitness.
In cup and European fixtures, PAOK may use Santamaría as a stabilising presence to manage games and shore up midfield control against varied opponents. His presence will also allow Lisci to rotate personnel while maintaining defensive solidity. For Santamaría, consistent minutes in these contexts could rebuild confidence and showcase his capabilities to new supporters and prospective suitors.
Implications for Valencia and the transfer window
Santamaría’s departure would ease Valencia’s midfield logjam and create opportunities for fringe players to step up or for further market activity. Offloading his wages or securing a transfer fee would offer Valencia additional latitude in the ongoing transfer window. Sportingly, the club will continue with a midfield core that includes Rodríguez, Dieng and Pepelu, while monitoring other needs across the squad.
For PAOK, signing Santamaría represents a strategic reinforcement aimed at short-term stability and European readiness. The move reflects a broader pattern of clubs seeking seasoned professionals who can immediately contribute in domestic leagues and continental qualifiers. The transfer’s completion hinges on the routine medical and final contractual formalities, after which both clubs will adjust plans accordingly.
Santamaría’s arrival in Thessaloniki and the expected formalisation of his move will be monitored by fans and analysts as PAOK prepares for a campaign that demands depth and consistency. The coming days should clarify the final contractual terms and offer a timetable for his integration into team training ahead of competitive fixtures.
