Panos Armenakas

Panayioti "Panos" Armenakas (Greek: Παναγιώτης "Πάνος" Αρμενάκας; born 5 August 1998) is an American-born Australian professional footballer who plays as a right winger for Danish 1st Division club Vendsyssel FF.

Armenakas has played youth football for Sydney Olympic, Watford and Udinese. Originally, Armenakas represented Greece U17, before switching to the Australian U17 side.

Club Career

Youth

Armenakas started his youth career playing for Sydney Olympic, after being scouted in a park by ex-Socceroo Jim Patikas. At the age of six, he was invited to spend three weeks training with FC Barcelona's elite juniors squad. While in Europe, he also spent time with Bolton Wanderers. Armenakas trained with the Milan Soccer School in Sydney under Andrea Icardi and Misha Radovic, before trialing with A.C. Milan in early 2010. In late 2010, he moved to Europe, initially joining Brescia before signing with Watford's Youth Academy.

Udinese

After spending two years with Watford, Armenakas signed a three-year deal with Udinese. By signing with the Italian club, Panos became the youngest Australian ever to sign a professional contract in any of the top five leagues in Europe. In November 2015, Armenakas signed a contract extension, keeping him at Udinese until 2018. He was released at the end of the 2017-18 season having made no appearances for the senior team and only featuring in one matchday squad.

Loan to Tubize

In July 2017, Armenakas joined Tubize in the Belgian First Division B on a one-year loan to have a chance at first team football. He was mostly an unused substitute during his time in Belgium, making six appearances.

Panathinaikos

After a trial period of three weeks Armenakas signed a 2+1⁄2-year contract with the Greek club at the beginning of January 2019. He left the Greens in January 2020 after only three appearances.