Where next for Fulham target Vasilis Torosidis?

Vasilis Torosidis

Olympiakos defender Vasilis Torosidis has announced that he will not be renewing his contract with the Greek champions following a resplendent six-year spell in Piraeus.

The 27-year-old, whose current deal expires in June, will be pursued by clubs throughout Europe after he issued a statement confirming his decision to move abroad at the end of the season.

In the wake of an impressive Euro 2012 tournament and equally majestic displays in the Champions League over the past few campaigns, Olympiakos will almost certainly look to cash in on their star defender or else risk losing him for free in five months’ time.

Indeed, Torosidis has finally made the bold decision to impose himself on the big stage after plying his trade in Greece for a decade – and there is no better way of doing that than leaving the country’s so-called ‘Super League’, which has seen a rapid decline in standards on and off the pitch.

Tor-iffic decision!

Greece international Torosidis is a versatile defender who can play in defensive midfield and on the right wing, though his preferred position is at right back where he has been considerably successful for club and country since late 2008.

His ball distribution and crossing are key features of his game, while his pace and strength in the air would certainly help him succeed in tougher, more dynamic leagues further afield.

Greek football journalist Takis Karagiannis feels that Torosidis’ decision to leave Olympiakos has come better late than never.

“After the arrivals of Giorgos Donis and Thodoris Zagorakis to England over a decade ago, it is time for the Premier League to welcome another Greek player.

“Having been the bone of contention for the “big three” of Athens – Olympiakos, Panathinaikos and AEK Athens, and having enjoyed five Super League trophies with the Red-Whites, Torosidis is finally ready to take his chance abroad.

“A strong versatile full back, with exceptional ability to adapt to tactical changes his name is touted around the transfer market every summer, Torosidis has the chance to prove himself on the big stage, after seven wasted years in Greece.

“The only difficult step is the next one, as the Xanthi-born defender decides where his destination will be.”

So in which country does Vasilis Torosidis’ future lie?

Here’s three clubs which appear to be the most compatible options for the Greek stalwart:

Fulham (Barclays Premier League, England): Giorgos Karagounis may be coming towards the end of his career but it hasn’t stopped his surprise revival in England under Whites boss Martin Jol. He could play a key part in bringing his compatriot to Craven Cottage and would definitely add solidity to a vulnerable back four which has conceded 40 goals this season.

Werder Bremen (Fußball-Bundesliga, Germany): Similarly, the Greek connection could see Torosidis opt for a move to Germany instead with fellow countryman Sokratis Papastathopoulos a firm fixture in their defence. However, he’ll face stiff competition at right back from summer-signing Gebre Selassie; an efficient, attacking right-back who also shone in Euro 2012 for the Czech Republic.

A.S. Roma (Serie A, Italy): The Italian giants have tracked Torosidis for several seasons and opened informal talks with Olympiakos last summer. It’s expected that Zdeněk Zeman’s side will be the frontrunners for his signature, while Panagiotis Tachtsidis’ presence in their team could prove the eventual deal-breaker.

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• Steve

  Why would Fulham be interested in him when they have a perfectly good right back in Sascha Reither, albeit on loan for the season, and have no money apparently for new signings? Seems someone has linked his availability and Karagounis.

• MakeUsDream

  A good move from Torosidis, he would do well in the Premier League. Should have made the move a few years ago but better late than never.

• GiuseASR

  He is officially a Roma player…fulham fans,U MAD?

• http://twitter.com/GoonerTalk Chris Wheatley

  It’s already been confirmed that Fulham were in for Torosidis but couldn’t match Roma’s offer. As you said, Riether is on loan and their other option at right back is Aaron Hughes – hence why it would make sense to sign Toro.

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