Moussa Sissoko faces uncertain future after being sidelined at Panathinaikos
Former Premier League midfielder Moussa Sissoko is currently facing a difficult professional situation in Greece, having been excluded from the first-team squad at Panathinaikos. The 37-year-old Frenchman, who once reached the Champions League final with Tottenham Hotspur, finds himself in limbo after failing to secure a move during the summer transfer window.
A stalled career in Athens
Sissoko joined the historic Greek club in February following the conclusion of his second spell at Watford. He signed a contract running until June 2027, with reported annual earnings of £516,000. However, his time in Athens has been marred by fitness issues, limiting him to just four appearances last season due to a persistent thigh muscle strain.
The situation worsened following a managerial change at the club. With the arrival of new head coach Jacob Neestrup, who succeeded Rafa Benitez, Sissoko was omitted from the squad. Despite discussions between the player and club officials regarding a potential compensation package to terminate his contract, no agreement was reached, leaving the midfielder under contract but effectively sidelined for the current season.
From European heights to the sidelines
The current impasse is a stark contrast to the peak of Sissoko’s career. After rising to prominence at Toulouse, he made a significant impact at Newcastle United, where he recorded 12 goals and 20 assists in 133 appearances between 2013 and 2016. His performances earned him a move to Tottenham, where he became a vital component of the squad that reached the 2019 Champions League final.
Beyond his club achievements, Sissoko was a key figure for the French national team, earning 71 caps and helping his country reach the final of Euro 2016. Since leaving Tottenham in 2021, his career trajectory has shifted, including a stint at Nantes and two separate periods at Watford. According to The Sun, the midfielder did not receive significant offers during the most recent transfer window, and a late-market approach from the Greek second-division side Panionios ultimately failed to materialize.
The outlook for the veteran midfielder
As it stands, Sissoko remains on the books at Panathinaikos without a clear path back to competitive action. The club, which has a rich history including a 1971 European Cup final appearance, is moving forward in the Conference League without the veteran. Unless a resolution is found, the former international faces the prospect of seeing out his contract without making a single appearance for the remainder of the campaign.