6 days ago
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Next superstar striker?
©IMAGO
There’s been a dearth of outstanding young strikers emerging in recent years but Charalampos Kostoulas is a name to remember. The Greek striker earned a fearsome reputation as he progressed through Olympiacos’ youth system and he became their youngest ever debutant when he made his first professional appearance for their B team against Irodotos in the second tier, aged just 15. Greece isn’t renowned for producing elite footballers but there’s an emerging crop of talented stars emerging, with new Brighton signing Kostoulas spearheading the next generation.
The striker was integral as Olympiacos clinched their first ever UEFA trophy when their youth side shocked major European clubs by winning the Youth League. Kostoulas scored five goals in eight games as Olympiacos beat Bayern Munich and AC Milan on their way to winning the trophy - one month before the senior squad won the UEFA Conference League. Kostoulas is now a regular in Olympiacos’ first-team and he’s generating interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world.
On Thursday, Brighton announced the signing of the 18-year-old forward. According to various media reports, Olympiacos will receive €35m for the striker. It is the biggest fee the Greek giants have ever received for a player. The previous record was held by Daniel Podence, who joined Wolves in a deal worth €19.6m in the 2019/20 season. “Charalampos is an outstanding young player and we’re delighted he is coming to Brighton," Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler said in a club statement. “He wants to play in the Premier League and we are excited about what he can bring to the team."
How good is Charalampos Kostoulas?
Kostoulas is viewed as arguably the biggest Greek talent of an exciting ‘golden generation’. Giannis Konstantelias, Konstantinos Koulierakis and Stefanos Tzimas - recently signed by Brighton - are all further ahead in their development but Kostoulas could be the jewel in their crown. Since making his debut for Olympiacos’ first-team, Kostoulas has scored seven goals in 35 games and he’s constantly improving as he adapts to the demands of senior football. His all-round game and football intelligence for his age have stood out with his pace, strength and ability to link play amongst his biggest strengths.
Kostoulas is the most valuable striker born in 2007 and his valuation is expected to soar over the coming years. Nikos Sofis, Transfermarkt’s Greek football expert, believes the sky's the limit for Kostoulas. “Kostoulas has been incredibly impressive for Olympiacos and for the Greek youth teams,” Sofis said. “He is very mature and advanced in how he plays at his very young age - he’s destined to make his full international debut soon. His future is immensely bright, as he's a very humble and down to earth guy. If he stays humble then the sky's the limit! He has the potential to have a massive career and play for the biggest teams in Europe.”
Charalampos Kostoulas: The Joao Pedro replacement?
Brighton were in the market for a new striker this summer with Joao Pedro expected to leave, Danny Welbeck getting older and doubts over Evan Ferguson. Olympiacos recently tied him down on a new contract until 2030 and sporting director Darko Kovačević has confessed that major clubs are lurking. "There is growing interest in him, but he is an Olympiacos player," Kovacevic said. "European giants want him, many of them. However, I would not talk about names. He will stay at Olympiacos for sure this season, and I hope for longer.” Ultimately, the new contract might have played a big role in Kostoulas joining Brighton in a deal worth significantly above his €12m market value.
While Kostoulas is valued at €12m on Transfermarkt, it was always going to take significantly bigger offer to tempt Olympiacos into selling their prized asset. Transfermarkt expert Sofis added: “Olympiacos wanted to keep him for as long as possible and they just recently extended his contract until 2030. They were going to do anything they can to keep him in Greece until then unless a massive offer comes in which they can't resist. Kostoulas and his representatives will also need to weigh up any offers and decide the best next step in his career. He's one of several wonderkids from the current Greek generation and Olympiacos will for sure not let him go that easily.” This explains the significant transfer fee, which was further inflated by the interest of major clubs including Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Milan, and Juventus. But ultimately, Brighton won out securing one of the brightest talents in Greek football in over a generation.
