New Delhi: As they prepare for the January transfer window, Manchester United have set their sights on Charalampos Kostoulas, the teenage phenomenon from Olympiacos. After his outstanding performances for the Under-19 team last season and his developing role in the first team, the 17-year-old attacker is being heralded as a potential Greek football star. Reliable sources claim that United scouts were in Piraeus last Thursday to observe Kostoulas during his team’s Europa League match against Twente, where he kept up his impressive play.
But other teams are also interested in the young player besides Manchester United. European powerhouses Bayern Munich, Juventus, Fiorentina, and Borussia Monchengladbach are reportedly also keeping an eye on his development, according to reports from Greece. Apart from Bayern, a number of these teams are rumored to have sent representatives to evaluate the striker’s skills, however this has not been confirmed.
Who is Charalampos Kostoulas?
Charalampos Kostoulas – Best Youngster of Superleague 2 (South Group) 2023-24! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/iN0gcDn3lO
— OIS (@OIS_agency) December 10, 2024
Olympiacos have a gem of a footballer in their hands by the name of Charalampos Kostoulas, who s now being eyed by some of the top European clubs. Kostoulas joined Olympiacos in 2019 after beginning his career at Agia Anna Volos. He advanced through the academy, most notably in the 2021–22 season, when he scored 16 goals in 15 games, helping his team win the under-15 title. In September 2022, he agreed to his first professional deal with the team.
The 17-year-old came up the ranks of Olympiakos U-17 side, where his development took place. He made his Olympiacos B team debut and broke Kyriakos Papadopoulos’ record as the club’s youngest player to play professionally. The forward possesses a wide range of skill that has already made his place in the club’s history books at such a young age. He can lead the attack or play on the wings thanks to his versatility on the pitch.
Last season, he played a key role in Olympiacos’ reserve team defeating AC Milan 3-0 in the final to win the UEFA Youth League title. Kostoulas put on an outstanding display in the recent goalless draw with Twente at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, winning a penalty that teammate Ayoub El Kaabi ultimately wasted.
Olympiacos have big aspirations for their young star and hope to sign him to a new deal once he turns 18 in May, despite the mounting interest from major European clubs. He has already established himself as an essential member of Jose Luis Mendilibar’s team and is currently under contract till 2026. Kostoulas’ close friends and family have advised him to focus on his game and spend the holiday season with loved ones rather than getting sidetracked by transfer rumors.
How has he performed for Olympiacos so far?
Charalampos Kostoulas – Greek Super League 24/25:
☑️10 games
⏱️583 minutes
⚽️2 goals
🥅1 penalty won
🎯2 big chances created
17 years of age. A very promising start to his professional career. One of Greece’s most exciting prospects in the 21st century. 🔴⚪🇬🇷 pic.twitter.com/WMQSF7j4Tl
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) December 10, 2024
In their quest to become the first Greek team to win a European trophy in April of last year, Kostoulas’ squad notably defeated clubs like Milan, Lens, and Bayern. A month later, the senior team stunned everyone by defeating Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final in Athens. Kostoulas was a vital member of the Youth League, scoring five goals and dishing out two assists in just eight games, earning him the title of best young player in Greece’s second level.
He is standing next to his countryman Christos Mouzakitis, who at the age of 17 years, 10 months, and 23 days is the youngest player to ever play for Greece in a competitive match. With up-and-coming players like Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, and Amad Diallo making waves in the first squad, Manchester United have recently made significant investments in young talent. It will be interesting to see how things would go for the Greek youngster, in case he agrees to sign for Manchester United.
Charalampos Kostoulas, a rising Greek talent, has caught Manchester United’s attention with his standout performances. The young sensation is making waves in European football, sparking interest from top clubs. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
