According to Mundo Deportivo, Rubén Sánchez's transfer to PAOK Salónica has collapsed. The transfer did not proceed after PAOK was eliminated in the final qualifying round of the Conference League. PAOK had offered 400,000 euros, with an agreement with Espanyol to increase the fee to 600,000 euros if they qualified for European competition. As PAOK did not qualify, the transfer did not go ahead.

'La Grada' reported that discussions between PAOK and Espanyol had progressed significantly in recent days. The same source stated that PAOK submitted an offer of 600,000 euros plus bonuses for Ruben Sanchez, which the Barcelona team was prepared to accept. According to 'La Grada', the transfer's progression was also influenced by Alessio Lisci, who is familiar with Sanchez from their shared time at Mirandes. The report from 'La Grada' also indicated that joining PAOK was the most advanced option for Sanchez's future. After PAOK was eliminated from the Conference League, the transfer seems to have been put on hold, despite an agreement on financial terms with Espanyol having largely been reached. Spanish sources state that the option of a move to PAOK has diminished and that Sanchez is now more likely to remain at Espanyol, although these sources also mention that a possibility for a rapid change still exists in the last days of the transfer window.

Alessio Lisi wants Ruben Sanchez at PAOK, who are preparing a new approach to Espanyol for the right-back. According to Cadena SER in Spain, the Catalans rejected the initial proposal from PAOK, believing it did not meet their financial demands. Marca states that the first offer was approximately one million euros plus a 20% resale clause, but Espanyol are demanding more money to approve the transfer. There is still a difference between the two sides, but PAOK are willing to continue negotiations. Sanchez has a contract with Espanyol until summer 2027, and Espanyol are open to his transfer if their financial demands are met.

PAOK submitted an initial proposal to Espanyol for Ruben Sanchez. The offer was approximately 500,000 euros, which was not enough for Espanyol. Espanyol's valuation of Sanchez is around 1,000,000 euros, and the club is currently unwilling to accept less. This leaves a difference of about half a million euros between the two clubs' positions. While the initial offer was unsuccessful, negotiations continue and the situation is not closed. All involved parties understand that the optimal outcome is for Sanchez to leave Espanyol, which allows for more talks. Espanyol is also looking for a resolution regarding the player's future, which might alter the negotiation dynamics. The involvement of Alessio Lisi, who has worked with Sanchez at Mirandes before, is considered a major benefit for PAOK.