By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos Aktor has secured a major addition to its backcourt with Brancou Badio. The Senegalese guard is set to pen a long-term contract through 2029 upon medical examination on Wednesday, as announced on Sunday by team owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos via an Instagram story.
The Athens powerhouse secured the transfer after activating a €1.5 million buyout clause from Valencia. The 27-year-old combo, who rushed to strengthen Senegal for the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers immediately after finishing his obligations with Valencia, is expected to join the team right after his international duties to complete the deal. He arrives as the second marquee summer signing under returning head coach Zeljko Obradovic, following the recent acquisition of center Moustapha Fall. Giannakopoulos also teased further roster movements, stating that ‘someone else undergoes [a medical] on Wednesday’.
The 1.91-meter playmaker is coming off a stellar 2025–26 campaign where he established himself as a dominant continental force. Over 40 EuroLeague appearances under coach Pedro Martinez, he averaged 11.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per contest. His explosive performances helped guide the Spanish squad to the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four Athens, presented by Etihad. Ironically, he proved devastating against his new employers during the Playoffs, exploding for 20 points and five rebounds in a decisive Game 5 victory over the Greek side. He carried that momentum into domestic play, averaging nearly ten points to help his former club capture the Liga Endesa championship.
The Rufisque native brings a wealth of European experience, having previously developed his game with FC Barcelona, Baxi Manresa, and Germany’s Skyliners Frankfurt. Beyond his club achievements, the guard remains a vital pillar of his senior national team. He successfully anchored the backcourt during their bronze-medal campaigns at both the 2021 and 2025 AfroBasket tournaments, and featured prominently in the 2023 Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament.
This acquisition heavily solidifies the backcourt as the Greens prepare to challenge for both domestic and continental silverware in the upcoming 2026–27 campaign.
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