Sandefjord may be set to part ways with Evangelos Patoulidis in the coming days, as the midfielder is attracting serious interest from Croatian club HNK Rijeka. With the transfer window currently open in Norway and across much of Europe, clubs in the Eliteserien face the dual challenge of holding onto key players while actively working to strengthen their squads.
Currently placed seventh in the league standings, Sandefjord have been one of the more competitive sides in the Norwegian top flight. Their squad includes several standout performers, so it comes as little surprise that foreign clubs are showing interest in their players.
Patoulidis Emerges as a Key Transfer Target
Among those attracting attention is Patoulidis, who has quickly established himself as a vital part of Sandefjord’s midfield since joining from Haka earlier this year. The 23-year-old Belgian has enjoyed a strong run of form in recent months and is now being closely monitored by multiple clubs across Europe.
According to TV2, HNK Rijeka are currently leading the race to secure his signature. The Croatian club appear poised to finalise a deal, despite reported interest from teams in both the Netherlands and Scotland. Rijeka’s ambitions in European competition may prove decisive in convincing the player to make the move.
Champions League Opportunity Beckons
A transfer to Croatia would provide Patoulidis with the opportunity to feature in the UEFA Champions League this season, a significant step forward in his career. Rijeka are expected to compete in the qualifying rounds, adding further interest to the potential move.
While Sandefjord will be keen to hold on to one of their most influential players, the appeal of Champions League football may prove too strong to resist for Patoulidis. As the window progresses, further movement in and out of the club is likely, with Sandefjord expected to bring in new players to reinforce their squad should the Belgian depart.