Luka Jovic Completes Surprise Move from Real Madrid to AEK Athens
Luka Jovic has completed a permanent transfer from Real Madrid to Greek Super League side AEK Athens, according to reports from Spain and Greece. The Serbian striker has signed a multi-year contract with the Athens club, bringing an end to his turbulent four-year spell at the Santiago Bernabéu. The financial details of the move were not officially disclosed, but it is understood to be a free transfer following the mutual termination of his Madrid contract.
Jovic joined Real Madrid in 2019 for a fee reported to be around 60 million euros from Eintracht Frankfurt, where he had earned a reputation as one of Europe's most prolific young forwards. His time in Spain, however, failed to live up to expectations, yielding only three La Liga goals across four seasons. He spent loan spells back at Frankfurt and at Fiorentina in search of regular playing time, with his most recent stint in Italy yielding a modest return of goals.
The move to AEK Athens represents a fresh start for the 25-year-old and a significant coup for the Greek champions. AEK, managed by Matías Almeyda, are currently competing in the UEFA Europa Conference League and sought a high-profile striker to lead their line in domestic and European competition. The club's ambition to make a mark on the continental stage aligns with Jovic's need to reignite a career that once promised so much.
For Real Madrid, the departure concludes a chapter on a transfer that ultimately did not work out for either party. The club has been streamlining its squad, and Jovic's exit frees up both wage space and a non-EU slot in the roster. His arrival in Athens is expected to be formally announced by AEK in the coming days, where he will join a squad featuring fellow former European-based players like Steven Zuber and Nordin Amrabat.
This transfer marks a pivotal moment for Jovic, who must now prove he can recapture the form that made him a sought-after commodity. For AEK, securing a player of his perceived caliber, even amid recent struggles, signals a statement of intent as they look to defend their Greek title and advance in Europe. The success of this move will hinge on Jovic finding the consistent goal-scoring touch that has eluded him since his departure from Germany.
