Brighton & Hove Albion have officially announced the signing of 18-year-old forward Charalampos Kostoulas from Greek champions Olympiacos. The Greek Under-21 international has penned a five-year deal with the Seagulls, and will officially join the club on July 1, subject to the satisfactory completion of all necessary regulatory processes.
Kostoulas' move to the Premier League side marks a significant step in his burgeoning career. The transfer fee is reported to be an initial £29.8 million (€35 million), with a further £1.7 million (€2 million) in potential add-ons. This deal represents the highest fee ever received by a Greek club, surpassing the £16.6 million that Wolves paid to sign Daniel Podence from Olympiacos in 2020. Should the add-ons be met, Kostoulas will also become the most expensive Greek player in history, exceeding the £30.6 million Napoli paid Roma for Kostas Manolas in 2019.
Brighton's head coach, Fabian Hurzeler, expressed his delight at securing the young forward's signature, stating, “Charalampos is an outstanding young player and we're delighted he is coming to Brighton. He wants to play in the Premier League and we are excited about what he can bring to the team. He will give us different attacking options and we're looking forward to helping him adapt to his new environment.”
Born in Athens on May 30, 2007, Kostoulas comes from a footballing family. He is the son of former Greek international Athanasios Kostoulas, and his brother Konstantinos Kostoulas spent the 2024/25 season on loan with Portuguese side Rio Ave. Charalampos began his youth career with AS Agia Anna, before joining the Olympiacos academy in 2019. He quickly progressed through the ranks, helping his team secure Greece's Under-15 title. In September 2022, his impressive development earned him his first professional contract.
Kostoulas enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the 2024/25 season, his first in the Greek Super League. He was a regular starter as Olympiacos won the Greek league and cup double. He scored seven goals and provided two assists in 35 appearances across domestic competition and the Europa League. He also played a key role in Olympiacos's UEFA Youth League triumph in 2024, where they defeated AC Milan in the final.
The signing of Kostoulas could provide further competition for places in Brighton's attack, including for Irish international Evan Ferguson. Kostoulas is the second Greek teenager to join Brighton this year, after Stefanos Tzimas signed in January and was immediately loaned to Nurnberg.
