Mahamadou Balde: APOEL Nicosia eye move for PAOK Saloniki B winger

Mahamadou Balde, the Spain- and Senegal-eligible winger currently at PAOK Saloniki B, is attracting interest from APOEL Nicosia as the Cypriot club explore a potential move for the 19-year-old.

APOEL are monitoring Balde as they look to add attacking options from the Greek Super League 2, with the left-sided forward under contract at PAOK until 30 June 2028. Any deal is therefore expected to require a significant negotiation, with the player currently valued at around €300,000.

Balde joined PAOK’s B team on 1 July 2025 from Pafos FC’s under-19s for a reported €100,000 fee, having previously spent time on loan with PAOK’s youth setup. His familiarity with both Greek and Cypriot football structures is understood to be a factor in APOEL’s interest.

The left winger has featured regularly across PAOK’s youth and second-tier sides, making 16 appearances in Super League 2 and contributing four goals and two assists. He also figured in the UEFA Youth League and played a part in PAOK Thessaloniki U19’s domestic success.

Balde was part of the PAOK Thessaloniki U19 squad that won the Greek U19 title in the 2025-26 season, adding to a Greek U19 Cup win the previous year. His performances at that level have accelerated his progression into PAOK’s B team set-up.

While APOEL have yet to formalise an offer, PAOK’s firm contractual position means the Greek club are under no pressure to sell, with Balde tied down in Thessaloniki for another two years.