Brighton & Hove Albion FC have signed 18-year-old striker Charalampos Kostoulas from Olympiakos for £29.78 million (€35m), in a deal that sets a new transfer record for a Greek club.
The Greece Under-21 international, who has signed a five-year contract starting 1 July, is considered one of the country’s most exciting young prospects. Kostoulas scored seven goals in 22 league appearances last season and was a key player in Olympiakos’ UEFA Youth League triumph in 2024.
Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler said: “He wants to play in the Premier League and we are excited about what he can bring to the team.”
An additional £1.7 million in performance-based add-ons could make it a record fee for a Greek player, surpassing the £30.63 million Napoli paid for Kostas Manolas in 2019.
Kostoulas is represented by Giorgos Panou, the agent credited with discovering NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Panou said he recognised Kostoulas’ rare talent at just 15, calling him “cold-blooded, immense talent… ready to take on older, bigger guys without pressure.”
Brighton beat interest from top German clubs and Chelsea to secure his signature. Panou said the club’s development pathway made the decision easy: “They won the family and myself with how they talk, negotiate, and support young players.”
Kostoulas’ move comes during a rising era for Greek football talent, with Brighton also signing Stefanos Tzimas and PAOK’s Giannis Konstantelias reportedly attracting major European interest.
Source: bbc.com
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