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    Panathinaikos officially sign Sylvain Francisco on three-year deal after Asvel exit

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    By on EuroLeague, EuroLeague Transfers, News, Panathinaikos
    Sylvain Francisco
    Photo: BC Zalgiris Kaunas
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    Panathinaikos have officially completed another major addition ahead of the new EuroLeague season, announcing the signing of French guard Sylvain Francisco.

    The Greek powerhouse confirmed the arrival of the 28-year-old playmaker on a three-year contract, completing a move that had been heavily reported over the past several days.

    Francisco joins Panathinaikos after an impressive season with Zalgiris, where he established himself as one of the best guards in European basketball and earned a place in the All-EuroLeague First Team.

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    Francisco leaves Asvel after financial problems

    The move to Panathinaikos comes after Francisco had initially agreed to a three-year contract with Asvel.

    The French club had even officially presented him as a new signing, but financial problems changed the situation completely.

    Asvel were forced to reduce their budget significantly after failing to complete a planned investment deal, leaving them unable to maintain several previously agreed contracts.

    Panathinaikos quickly reacted and took advantage of the situation, securing one of the most talented guards available on the market.

    EuroLeague star arrives after outstanding Zalgiris season

    Francisco arrives in Athens after two highly successful seasons with Zalgiris.

    During the 2025/26 EuroLeague campaign, the French guard was one of the competition’s standout performers, helping Zalgiris reach the playoffs while earning a place among the best players in the league.

    He also won the Lithuanian championship with Zalgiris in both 2025 and 2026.

    Last season, Francisco appeared in 42 EuroLeague games, averaging 16.5 points, 6.5 assists, and 2.9 rebounds

    His combination of scoring ability, playmaking and speed makes him a major addition to Panathinaikos’ backcourt.

    Panathinaikos continue major roster rebuild

    Francisco becomes another important piece of Panathinaikos’ ambitious offseason project.

    The Greek club has already made several significant moves, bringing in:

    At the same time, the club saw several departures.

    Cedi Osman joined PAOK, while Marius Grigonis returned to Zalgiris. The club also parted ways with T.J. Shorts, Vassilis Toliopoulos, Kenneth Faried and Alexandros Samodurov.

    Zeljko Obradovic returns as Panathinaikos head coach

    The arrival of Francisco is part of a much bigger transformation at Panathinaikos.

    The club also made a historic coaching change, with Ergin Ataman leaving the position after a successful period.

    Replacing him is legendary Serbian coach Zeljko Obradovic, who returns to Panathinaikos after 14 years.

    Obradovic, who built one of the greatest eras in club history during his first spell in Athens, will now lead a completely renewed roster with ambitions of competing for EuroLeague trophies once again.

    With Francisco added alongside several other high-level signings, Panathinaikos continue to build one of the most exciting teams ahead of the 2026/27 EuroLeague season.

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    Basketball Sphere Editor and Writer.

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