Rafa Benitez Secures Moussa Sissoko Signing
Rafa Benitez has successfully signed Moussa Sissoko, marking a significant move in his coaching career. On Monday, news broke that Sissoko, previously with Watford, has transitioned to Panathinaikos, a club in the Greek Super League.
Details of the Transfer
Moussa Sissoko, now 36 years old, leaves Watford after a prominent tenure. The club announced his departure today, confirming that he has joined Panathinaikos on a permanent deal. Previously, Sissoko had played under Benitez at Newcastle United in 2016. During that time, he sought to escape the challenges posed by relegation.
Career Highlights
- Acquired by Tottenham Hotspur for £30m on deadline day in August 2016.
- Runners-up in the UEFA Champions League with Tottenham.
- 71 caps for the French national team.
- Reached the final of Euro 2016 with France.
- Served as captain at Watford, providing significant leadership.
Watford expressed gratitude towards Sissoko, stating, “Thank you and good luck, Moussa!” His experience has been invaluable to the team.
Benitez’s Challenges at Panathinaikos
Since taking the helm at Panathinaikos in late October 2025, Benitez has faced numerous challenges. By that point, the team played six league matches, achieving only two wins, three draws, and one loss.
Performance Statistics
| Match Type | Wins | Draws | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Six Matches | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| Subsequent Matches | 6 | 2 | 4 |
After playing 12 matches under Benitez, Panathinaikos holds the fifth position in the league table. They are nine points away from fourth place and a substantial fourteen points behind third place.
