Panathinaikos eye move for Baltika defender Nathan Gassama

Mali-France defender Nathan Gassama of Baltika is being linked with a move to Greek Super League side Panathinaikos as the Athens club assess options to strengthen their back line.

Gassama, a 25-year-old left-footed centre-back, has seen his reputation grow in Russias Premier Liga with Baltika, where his market value has risen to 1.5m as of March 2026. He wears the number 4 shirt and has become one of the more notable defensive names at the Kaliningrad club.

Born in Evry in 2001, the 1.92m defender combines height with a profile that has developed steadily across several European leagues. Before joining Baltika in August 2023 from Bulgarian side Slavia Sofia, he had spells in France with SO Cholet and the reserve teams of ESTAC Troyes and Nantes.

His move to Russia has coincided with a significant increase in his valuation, climbing from 300,000 in October 2023 to seven figures by late 2025, underlining the impact of his performances in the Premier Liga and his progression in a relatively short period.

Gassama has represented Baltikas first team and is listed with both Malian and French nationality, adding potential long-term upside for any club securing his services, given his age and scope for further development.

No agreement has been reached between Baltika and Panathinaikos, and the defender remains under contract with the Russian club, with the rumour at an early stage.