By Niki Bakouli/ bakouli@eurohoops.net
One month after we first heard about Panathinaikos’ offer to Guo Ailun, we are in a position to know what’s on the mind of the player, his club, his uncle (and his ex-coach) and how this transfer can become a reality. With the great help of Qiang Sheng here is what we got to learn.
Guo Ailun let the world know that his father never said “he is not ready yet to go to Europe”. It was just a rumor a journalist “without professional ethics” spread. He also said Panathinaikos agreed to the term he will be able to play at the National Games (next September), for LiaoNing. He added he wants to play at the highest level, he said Panathinaikos was sincere about their desire to sign him, he promised he will come back to play for the Chinese National Games and he underlined he respects the decision of the club and the Sport Administration.
Now let’s see what Liaoning administration say for the issue. The director of the club, Wang Fang suggested Panathinaikos has to send a member of their board in China, to discuss all about Ailun’s transfer, since now the best possible way to talk to them it’s via the player. For that matter, Ailun himself confirmed that Panathinaikos will make the journey, but only if LiaoNing club gives them a clear answer about its intentions before the trip. Mr. Fang said Panathinaikos must pay a transfer fee, because Guo Ailun has a 5+3 year contract with the club (he signed it one year ago. And his salary is less than 20.000$ per year, as we wrote few days ago). Other than that, he explained LiaoNing club wants to ensure their player will have guarantee minutes, since they think it’s better for him to stay and play in China, than to go over Greece and sit on the bench.
Guo Shiqiang (Guo Ailun’s uncle and ex-coach of China’s national team), said to also at sports.163.com he and his brother (Ailun’s father) have already talked to Panathinaikos and LiaoNing club and now they are waiting to know what Ailun’s club will decide for his future.