Big things were expected of James McGarry when he signed for Aberdeen in the summer of 2023.
But the left-back has never been able to become a regular in the side under either Barry Robson or Jimmy Thelin, with the emergence of Jack MacKenzie as a key man hindering him on that front.
The New Zealander has also had injuries and played on just 17 occasions last season, and 11 so far in this campaign.
He had enjoyed two starts in a row with MacKenzie out but new signing Alexander Jensen, primarily a right-back, played in that position against St Mirren at the weekend.
Other defensive additions in this window have been Latvia captain Kristers Tobers from Grasshoppers and Alfie Dorrington on loan from Tottenham.
While Jeppe Okkels was signed from Preston, another loan deal but with the option of making it permanent.
McGarry was nowhere to be seen in the squad and the reason for that may now be becoming clear.
Kallithea submit James McGarry bid
That’s because Greek side Kallithea have made an offer for the 26-year-old, according to the Daily Record.
The Athens side are in the top flight but are battling relegation and want McGarry in to help them fight against that.
McGarry was signed from Central Coast Mariners when Barry Robson was manager and he said at the time: “The acquisition of James is an excellent piece of business by the club.
“He’s athletic, physically strong and has the winning mentality, all of which are important if you want to be a successful Aberdeen player.
“He becomes our ninth signing in what has been a busy summer and adds another piece of the jigsaw as we look to build a squad that can compete on both domestic and European fronts this season.”
McGarry still has 18 months left on his deal but Pittodrie chiefs are willing to sanction his exit and bring in a fee for a player who is not a regular.
McGarry has Thelin’s 100 per cent trust
The attacking full-back struggled for game time under Robson despite that glowing description, and it hasn’t changed much under Thelin.
But the Swede dis sing his praises and insisted he had full faith in putting him into his side.
He said: “Usually when you start a new season, you want to get some parts like a core to be stable, but I think the improvement of Jimmy McGarry and Jack Milne has been really, really good and also how they have grown.
“It’s a lot of improvements, and when it’s time for them, I’m going to trust them 100 per cent.
“Jimmy is still really, really strong in attacking, but also have improvements in positional play in a four-back line.
“That’s really nice to see – even if they haven’t played so much, but they play at training, 11 vs 11 – and how they take small steps in the right direction all the time.
“That’s so nice with football. Sometimes the opportunity or the things happen and then the dynamics change.
“I’m 100 per cent sure it’s going to be fine when they get the time to play.”