Dortmund deal thrown into chaos: Furious fans go to extreme lengths to block record transfer

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FT Desk

Borussia Dortmund are close to finalising a deal for wonderkid Giannis Konstantelias despite an attempted intervention by PAOK supporters.

Konstantelias is a Greek footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for PAOK and the Greece national team. Born in 2003, he came through PAOK’s academy and made his senior debut at just 17.

He’s known for his dribbling, creativity and ability to use both feet. He’s adept at taking on defenders and creating chances, and over the last couple of years he's become one of the most exciting young players in Greek football. In the Super League Greece last season, he scored eight goals and recorded two assists in 24 games.

Konstantelias ya está en Dortmund para evitar a los fans del PAOK.

La temporada pasada evitaron la venta al Stuttgart amenazando al presidente del club griego.

Para que no ocurra nuevamente, el jugador ya está en Alemania a la espera del trato final, el cual estaría a detalles…

— José I. Araoz (@Gazpachen) August 16, 2026

Sky Sports Germany reported on Monday that Dortmund have agreed a deal to sign the 23-year-old from PAOK for an initial fee of €26m that could rise to over €30m. He'll become PAOK's record sale once the deal is formalised.

Despite the windfall that is coming PAOK's way, their fans were furious that the club had decided to sell their star player, and furious at Konstantelias himself for agreeing to leave.

The supporters held protests outside of the club's stadium and some even entered the building, demanding a meeting with the president.

The most surreal moment was yet to come as, upon arriving in Germany for his medical, Konstantelias was stopped at the airport by a PAOK fan and made to participate in a video call with some of the club's angered fans back home, reports journalist Andres Weiss.

At one point, there were genuine fears the move wouldn't go ahead.

🚨 PAOK fans have gathered outside the club's stadium to protest following reports that Giannis Konstantelias' transfer to Borussia Dortmund has been finalized. 😳🇬🇷🇩🇪

The fans have made their feelings very clear. 👀 pic.twitter.com/COT1XL4occ

— Footybuzz (@footybuzzHQ) August 16, 2026

Why?

Because the PAOK fans successfully blocked Konstantelias's proposed switch to Stuttgart a year ago.

A deal had been agreed between the two sides and a medical was booked, but to Stuttgart's surprise, the player never showed up for that medical.

At the time, BILD reported that PAOK president Ivan Savvidis became concerned about the retaliation from the club's fans, should Konstantelias be sold.

Stuttgart became frustrated at the situation and pulled the plug.

Never underestimate the impact of fan power...