AZ Alkmaar defender Pantelis Hatzidiakos has now confirmed that he will not be joining Leeds United after the Championship outfit reportedly agreed personal terms at the start of August. 

According to Greek publication SportTime, Hatzidiakos ‘accepted’ Leeds United’s offer almost a month ago. The talented centre-half would have arrived at Elland Road for somewhere in the region of £3.5 million, while reinforcing a backline which had lost Liam Cooper to a long-term injury during a 2-2 draw with Cardiff City earlier on that very same day. 

But after Leeds turned their attention to Joe Rodon – the Tottenham Hotspur loanee bringing Championship experience to West Yorkshire due to his Swansea City past – Hatzidiakos is instead packing his bags and dusting off his Italian dictionary. 

The 27-time Greek international confirmed after AZ Alkmaar beat Brann on penalties in their UEFA Conference League qualifier that Cagliari will be his destination, rather than Leeds. 

Pantelis Hatzidiakos will not be joining Leeds

“This is my farewell,” Hatzidiakos sighs, his voice trembling with emotion after 12 long years in Alkmaar (Voetbal Primeur).

“I had wonderful years here. My dream was to play for the AZ first-team with a full stadium and in European football. I am very proud of that, and I want to thank everyone for that. I cannot wish for a nicer farewell.

“From tomorrow (Friday), I will be a Cagliari player.” 

Hatzidiakos becomes the third AZ player to join a Serie A club this summer alone. Midfield maestro Tijjani Reinders joined AC Milan, while defender Sam Beukema and enigmatic winger Jesper Karlsson ended up at Brighton.

[hitc]