The atmosphere inside the PAOK locker room has shifted from tension to outright panic. Razvan Lucescu, the Romanian tactician steering the ship at PAOK, is reportedly seething. And the source? Not a loss, not a scandal, but a call-up. Rahmat Baba, the Ghanaian defender, has been included in the preliminary squad for the World Cup. For Lucescu, this isn’t just bad news—it’s a logistical nightmare.

The World Cup Gamble

Babu had previously stated he would not return to his national team. Yet, from nowhere, he finds himself in the frame for the biggest tournament on earth. While this is a career highlight for the defender, Lucescu sees the dark side. The Ghanaian is set for grueling international travel and high-stakes matches. The result? A player who will be physically drained and unavailable for PAOK’s early European fixtures. With the club already struggling to accelerate its transfer market strategy, losing their most burdened defender right before the continental campaign begins is a blow Lucescu did not anticipate.

A Season in the Balance

PAOK is entering a critical phase. The team comes off a disappointing season and faces an early start to European competitions. Internal friction, dating back to last summer, has left scars on the dressing room. Lucescu feels challenged by the club’s management and is desperate for a fresh, fit squad. Keeping Baba at the club seemed like a stability play, but now it looks like a liability. The coach wants a sharp defender for the opening rounds, not a tired one returning from international duty. As the transfer window ticks down, the pressure is mounting. Can PAOK find a replacement in time, or will Lucescu have to navigate the early European storms without his key man? The clock is ticking, and the options are running out.