Cedi Osman explained why he believes joining PAOK represents a new challenge rather than a step back, while revealing his ambition to help the Thessaloniki club reach the EuroLeague. The Turkish forward shared his vision during his official presentation at PAOK Sports Arena.
After spending the previous two seasons with Panathinaikos, Osman remains in Greece but takes on a completely different role. The experienced forward arrives in Thessaloniki as the centerpiece of PAOK’s ambitious project, with the club aiming to compete for trophies and eventually return to the EuroLeague.
Speaking in front of the fans who welcomed him with applause and chants, Osman admitted that the reception exceeded his expectations.
“It was amazing. I didn’t know what to expect because we are in the middle of the summer, but I am grateful to everyone who showed up here today and made this day special,” Osman said.
“We have big goals ahead of us and I am excited and happy to be here. I hope this journey will be a long one and that it will take PAOK where it deserves to be.”
Cedi Osman has arrived in Thessaloniki, where he is set to be officially unveiled and presented as PAOK's newest player tomorrow. ⚫⚪️🔥
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) July 19, 2026
One of the biggest moves of the European basketball summer!! 💣💣 #paokbc #paobc pic.twitter.com/mMxhZwYDRZ
Cedi Osman: This is a memory I will always have
The Turkish international was impressed by the atmosphere created by PAOK supporters during his presentation, admitting that he experienced something completely new in his career.
“This is the first time something like this has happened to me and it is a memory I will always have in my mind,” Osman explained.
“This is only the beginning. We will need all the fans to support us on this difficult journey, which will be full of challenges, but we like challenges and we will do our best.”
Osman believes in PAOK’s EuroLeague vision
One of the main reasons Osman decided to join PAOK was the ambition presented by club owner Telis Mistakidis, general manager Tsiaras and head coach Andrea Trinchieri.
The former Panathinaikos player revealed that the conversations about the club’s future convinced him that Thessaloniki was the right destination.
“I spoke with Mr. Mistakidis about his vision and ambitions for this team, as well as his dream of taking PAOK where it belongs – to the EuroLeague,” Osman said.
“That is very important, and I am grateful that he believed in me. I know it will not be easy, life is not easy, but we have a very good team and I believe we can achieve this goal this year. However, we will take it step by step and everything will be fine.”
"Panathinaikos now has a great organization. It's operating at a much higher level. OAKA is completely different now. All the facilities are really, really special.
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) July 14, 2026
Over all these years, Dimitris Giannakopoulos has always tried to be at the top in every competition. I have to… pic.twitter.com/JVUFRhL1aP
“For me, joining PAOK is not a step backward”
Despite leaving a EuroLeague contender in Panathinaikos, Osman rejected the idea that moving to PAOK represents a step back in his career, following one of the biggest EuroLeague transactions of the summer.
The 31-year-old forward believes the club’s project and ambitions make this challenge equally important.
“Obviously, it is about taking PAOK where it belongs, which is the EuroLeague. My main goal is to be there,” Osman said. “For me, this is not a step backward. PAOK is a team with a vision and ambitions to become even better, which is why this is not a step backward. It will definitely take some time, but I will be ready for this challenge. Also, with the fans, we can achieve it.”
Cedi Osman: We will try to win EuroCup
Cedi Osman also thanked the people responsible for bringing him to Thessaloniki and promised that the team will fight for every goal.
“I want to thank Telis Mistakidis, Tsiaras, the team’s GM, and our head coach Mr. Trinchieri. The first time I spoke with these three men, they explained to me their vision and ambitions for this club. From the first day, I felt that I wanted to be here.”
“The last two years, when I came here and played, it was never easy to win. It was always difficult, and now I am here so that we can win as much as possible together, with your support.”
“We will try to win the Greek Basket League and the EuroCup, and we will achieve it with your help. I promise you that we will fight with all our strength and try to win every game.”
