Olympiacos’ wonderkid Charalampos (Babis) Kostoulas underwent his Brighton medical on Wednesday ahead of signing a five-year contract worth at least 37 million euros.
The deal, which is expected to conclude on 1 July, is the most expensive for a Greek player who only last month turned 18. Kostoulas will report for pre-season training immediately after.
🚨🔵 After Diego Coppola deal done, Brighton also sign Charalampos Kostoulas – here we go!
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 10, 2025
Deal done with Olympiacos for £34m fee as player will undergo medical this week, as @JacobsBen reports.
One more for #BHAFC. pic.twitter.com/ZVLRCcHvHc
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, becoming the youngest player in the history of the club to play professionally, beating the record held by Kyriakos Papadopoulos.
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 has generated interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world.
Hailing from a footballing family, Kostoulas is the son of former Greek international footballer Athanasios Kostoulas, while his brother, Konstantinos, plays for Rio Ave on loan from Olympiacos
Kostoulas is viewed as arguably the biggest Greek talent of an exciting ‘golden generation’. Konstantinos Karetsas, 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-around game and football intelligence for his age have stood out with his pace, strength and ability to link play among his biggest strengths.
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.”
