Goran Pandev (Macedonian: Горан Пандев) (born July 27, 1983 in Strumica, Socialist Republic of Macedonia now Macedonia) is a football striker currently playing for Lazio. He is currently the most highly regarded Macedonian soccer player ever along with Darko Pančev.

Playing career

In his youth he was recruited by Italian club Internazionale, who loaned him to Spezia Calcio and A.C. Ancona. In January 2004, he moved to S.S. Lazio (as part of a transfer that saw Dejan Stanković move from Lazio at Inter Milan) to play in Serie A. He started the 2005 season by scoring the only goal in the first match, giving Lazio a win over F.C. Messina.

Pandev is only the second Macedonian to play in Serie A (Darko Pančev was the first, having had a brief career with Internazionale in the early 1990s).

Goran Pandev's position varies, his favoured position is a centre foward (supporting striker) for Lazio playing behind Tommaso Rocchi, but since Srecko Katanec became the head coach of the Macedonian National Team (EURO 2008 Qualifiers) he has been given a free role which means he can play anywhere in the midfield. This position is very similar to Attacking Midfield.

Contract speculations

The English media has speculated about a transfer to Arsenal, in fact an interview was published in which Pandev allegedly stated that this was his ambition, however he strongly refuted those comments and was even willing to sue several English newspapers. "I've never spoken with this journalist", he said on the 7th October, on the eve of the England - Macedonia Euro 2008 qualifying match. Lazio coach Delio Rossi admits he won't block any move away for the player, stating "If the player does not believe Lazio is the best club for him, then he should seek a change of scenery." On the 1st December, newspapers in the UK have linked him with a move to Rangers F.C.. On January 30, The Times linked him with a move to Portsmouth F.C. and he has also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur F.C. and Reading F.C..

In April 2007, there was news indicating Pandev would extend his contract with Lazio, which would have seen Pandev play for the Italian giants until the end of the 2011/2012 season but according to available sources has not yet signed the contract. After his tremendous double strike against Real Madrid in the Match day 2 fixture of the 2007 Champions League, Interest in the young forward has increased, and Bayern Munich seem to be leading the race to secure his signature, by openly stating they would be happy to part with €30 million, which is equivalent to $40.92 million (USD), for the Macedonian star.

On 29 October 2007, English Premiership Giant Liverpool F.C. was speculated to have interest in signing Pandev in order to strengthen its attacking line.