Aris head coach Alexei Shpilevsky indicated the club is pursuing the rights to Russian striker Alexander Kokorin from Fiorentina. The remarks were relayed by Metaratings.ru. The club’s administration is actively examining the situation, and Shpilevsky has repeatedly expressed a strong desire to retain the forward. He has shared his position with the club’s president, who also shows interest. Whether the deal can be closed will depend on several factors, including the striker’s wage demands and the club’s willingness to assume those costs. Shpilevsky stressed that Kokorin’s salary is a significant consideration and implied that the president may need to shoulder some of the financial responsibility. Time will tell how this potential transfer unfolds, and the financial geometry behind it remains a central question for all parties involved.
Kokorin is a product of Moscow Dynamo’s system. Over the years he has worn the colors of several notable clubs, including Zenit St. Petersburg, Sochi, and the capital’s Spartak. His career path has seen him move between domestic powerhouses and international assignments, highlighting a player with a varied résumé and a track record of both high-profile opportunities and challenging spells. The move to Fiorentina marked a new chapter, though the Italian club’s environment did not translate into regular playing time or meaningful impact in the league during his stint there.
During his time with Fiorentina, Kokorin appeared in a limited number of matches and did not register competitive goals or assists. In September 2022, he returned to Greece on loan, joining Aris on a loan deal that runs through the 2022/2023 campaign. In this period, he found more frequent minutes, contributing 11 goals and providing 5 assists across 23 appearances, a result that rekindled interest from several clubs looking to leverage his proven attacking instincts and experience at the top level. His contract with Fiorentina remains in effect until 30 June 2024, and any potential move would need to align with Fiorentina’s contractual framework and Kokorin’s own career goals.
Beyond club exploits, Kokorin’s influence on the field has extended to his performances in other competitions, where he has helped teams secure important victories and provided leadership in attacking phases. His journey reflects a player who has endured scrutiny and public attention, while still displaying moments of class, pace, and the ability to create scoring chances for teammates. As discussions around a possible transfer continue, observers are watching not only the tactical fit for Aris but also how Kokorin would adapt to the club’s style, league tempo, and the expectations of fans in Greece and beyond. Reports indicate that the negotiation process involves balancing competitive ambitions with financial realism, a common dynamic in mid-season transfer windows.
In prior seasons, Kokorin’s contributions were evident when his presence helped Aris secure league success in Cyprus, underscoring the potential impact a veteran forward can provide when integrated into an effective system. The evolving situation with his Fiorentina contract, combined with Aris’s interest, suggests a careful assessment of whether a mutually beneficial agreement can be reached. As discussions proceed, the outcome will hinge on a blend of strategic intent, salary considerations, and mutual willingness to commit to a pathway that supports both the player’s aspirations and the club’s competitive objectives. Prospective observers should stay tuned to official statements from the clubs as the transfer window progresses and the financial framework becomes clearer.