Pogoń Szczecin has swiftly cancelled plans for the winter transfer of striker Ioannis Pittas. The Ekstraklasa club decided not to trigger the purchase option for the player, who will return to Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta after his six-month loan spell, as reported by the portal MyMistrzowie.pl.
The decision was made this week, just before the closure of the summer transfer window. Pittas joined Pogoń in January but failed to secure a regular starting spot. His contract with the Cypriot club runs until the summer of 2027, so a theoretical transfer possibility existed. However, the management of the team from Twardowskiego Street deemed that continuing the cooperation was not beneficial.
Why did Pittas not stay in Szczecin?
The main reason was the Cypriot's limited effectiveness. During his few months with Pogoń, he scored only one goal. Manager Kosta Runjaić had other forwards at his disposal who were in better form. The club also had to evaluate the entire squad ahead of the new season, and strengthening other areas of the pitch became a priority.
Pittas did not fit into the team's tactical setup, which ultimately finished a strong fourth place in the table in the spring round. Detailed statistics for the entire 2025/26 season, including goals and assists, are available on our stats page. Analysing this data shows where the team needed the most urgent reinforcements.
What are Pogoń's transfer plans now?
Moving on from Pittas has freed up financial resources and a squad place for other moves. The club is now focused on finding a player who can immediately compete for a place in the starting eleven. The sporting directorate is working on several options, but none are at an advanced negotiation stage yet.
An important context is the next league fixture. Pogoń Szczecin will play at home against Śląsk Wrocław on 21 November 2026. This match will open a key part of the autumn round, and the full schedule can be found on our fixtures page. Before this encounter, manager Runjaić wants to have a complete and well-integrated squad.
What does the current attacking lineup look like?
After Pittas's departure, several experienced forwards remain in the squad. The leader of the line is Swede Alexander Jeremejeff, who was one of the team's top scorers last season. He is supported by players like Kamil Grosicki, who often operates on the wing, and younger players waiting for their chance.
A full overview of the players available to the manager, along with their squad numbers and contract expiry dates, is in the squad section. It is this group that will need to provide offensive effectiveness in the coming months. The club does not rule out adding a new player in this transfer window, but only if it represents a clear upgrade.
The decision not to extend the cooperation with Ioannis Pittas is now formally settled. The player has said goodbye to his teammates in the dressing room and is returning to Cyprus to prepare for the new season with Anorthosis. Meanwhile, Pogoń Szczecin is preparing for a home match against Śląsk Wrocław in just over two months.
