Borussia Dortmund close in on Giannis Konstantelias after PAOK talks advance

Borussia Dortmund are moving closer to a deal for PAOK attacking midfielder Giannis Konstantelias, with the Greece international reported to have travelled to Germany on Sunday as negotiations enter their final stage.

Greek outlet News247 reports that PAOK and Dortmund have reached an agreement over the transfer and that Konstantelias left Thessaloniki on a private flight on Sunday morning to complete the remaining formalities. The move has not yet been announced by either club, meaning the 23-year-old remains a PAOK player until the process is formally completed.

The development represents a significant acceleration in a transfer that had initially emerged as part of Dortmund’s search for an alternative to Said El Mala. BVB ended their pursuit of the Köln attacker after deciding not to increase their offer, with club officials subsequently indicating that another plan was ready to be activated.

BILD reported that Konstantelias had become one of the leading names under consideration as Dortmund looked to reshape their attacking options. Sporting director Lars Ricken also indicated that the club expected further transfer activity before the end of the window, while managing director Carsten Cramer said Dortmund had prepared alternatives after the El Mala negotiations were abandoned.

Konstantelias would give Dortmund another technically strong option across the attacking midfield positions. His potential arrival would also continue the club’s recent recruitment from the Greek market, following the addition of Konstantinos Karetsas.

Reports from Greece now suggest the process has moved beyond Dortmund simply assessing the player. The reported trip to Germany points toward final formalities rather than an exploratory stage, although there is still no official confirmation of a completed transfer or medical from either club.

Until Dortmund or PAOK announce the deal, the transfer should therefore be treated as highly advanced rather than complete. An official confirmation would represent the final step in a move that has developed quickly following Dortmund’s decision to withdraw from the El Mala pursuit.