LONDON — Brighton & Hove Albion has completed the signing of young forward Charalampos Kostoulas, who has opted out of playing in the Champions League with Olympiakos to embark on his career in the Premier League. Kostoulas, a promising 18-year-old talent, agreed to a five-year deal with the English club, with the transfer fee believed to start at 35 million euros ($40.4 million).
“It’s a dream for everyone to come here and play football in such a prestigious league,” Kostoulas expressed during an interview released by Brighton on Friday. The Greece Under-21 international displayed notable prowess in front of a goal, netting seven times over 22 matches, as Olympiakos clinched a record 48th Greek league title alongside a domestic cup victory.
Olympiakos’s domestic triumph granted them direct entry into the cherished Champions League group stage. Due to Paris Saint-Germain’s dual qualification by winning the French league, Olympiakos will partake in eight matches within the tournament’s single-standings format. Meanwhile, Brighton’s eighth-place finish in the Premier League last season means they will not be participating in European competitions.
Kostoulas has already proven to be an impactful player, serving as the lead striker for Olympiakos’ Under-19 squad, which triumphed in the 2024 UEFA Youth League. This achievement occurred just weeks before the senior team secured the Conference League trophy. Brighton fans eagerly anticipate the arrival of this promising striker and the potential he brings to their squad.