The Crown Jewel of Piraeus: Why Premier League Giants Are Circling Babis Kostoulas | OneFootball

In a football world obsessed with ready-made stars and big-money flops, Babis Kostoulas is something refreshingly old-school: a homegrown diamond with sharp edges, brilliant shine, and bags of potential yet to be fully revealed. At just 17, he’s become one of the most talked-about Greek talents of this new golden generation for Greek football.

If you’re a Premier League fan and your club is one of the many reportedly sniffing around the Olympiacos wonderkid, let us make something abundantly clear: you’re not just scouting a promising attacker. You’re eyeing a generational talent. And if you think €35million is enough, you might want to book a ferry back to reality. Brighton were reportedly offering this amount plus a player but now fresh reports are indicating a higher bid close to the €40million mark, plus a player swap and including a 20% sell on clause.

Not Just Hype: The Numbers and the Nerve

Dynamic. Strong. Instinctive. A killer in front of goal. These are the words that come to mind to describe Kostoulas. His style has been likened to players like Edinson Cavani and former Argentina legend, Gabriel Batistuta, hence the nickname: "Babistuta".

Kostoulas isn’t a highlight merchant. He’s not scoring YouTube goals in friendly matches. He’s turning games in front of sold-out crowds at the Georgios Karaiskakis, in front of one of the most demanding fan bases in European football. At a club where there's pressure to win every game, in the league, in the cup and in Europe.

He’s a 17-year-old with the frame of a seasoned pro (1.86m), the mentality of a veteran, and the calmness of a monk on holiday. Against Aris this season, he scored a match-winner in stoppage time minutes after Olympiacos had been pegged back. In Europe, he held his own against seasoned opposition with the swagger of someone who didn’t know he was supposed to be nervous.

He’s still raw, yes. But that’s precisely why this summer is perhaps not the moment to sell. Not for Brighton, not for Bayern, not even for Inter. Because as good as he is now, everyone in Piraeus knows we’re still scratching the surface.

Club-Built and Battle-Tested

Raised in Olympiacos' academy and with football running through his blood—his father, Thanassis, also donned the red and white—Kostoulas is not some factory-line prospect groomed for resale value. He’s the heartbeat of a youth revolution at a club finally backing its own.

Alongside the likes of Christos Mouzakitis and Kostantis Tzolakis, Babis represents a golden generation. And Olympiacos knows it. That’s why the club reportedly dismissed an initial €35 million bid from Brighton, even when sweetened with the prospect of Abdallah Sima (played this season at Brest in Ligue 1). The message was simple: if you're not here with Champions League money, a percentage of his rights and a pathway that makes sense, don't bother.

So What’s He Worth?

That depends. Are you trying to buy him to resell him in two years? Or are you trying to build your attack around him for a decade? Because if it’s the latter, the number starts above €35 million and a slice of the future transfer pie. And that's if Olympiacos are even willing to listen.

Premier League clubs need to remember: this isn't a post-Conference League clearance sale. Olympiacos have just completed a domestic league and cup double and have direct entry to the Champions League Group Phase next season. There is no desperation, only opportunity.

The Right Move (Spoiler: It’s Not England)

You want to know the smart play? Dortmund. A club that knows how to develop talent, that gives kids time on the ball and time to fail. Arsenal might be tempted, and United are reportedly watching too. But England at 17 is a career gamble.

Let him play eight Champions League games with Olympiacos next season. Let him take Greece by storm with the national team. Then come back with a war chest. Because by next summer, the conversation could change...dramatically.

Final Word

Babis Kostoulas is not the finished article. But he’s the start of something special. Olympiacos fans know it. Scouts know it. And soon, the rest of Europe will too.

Premier League fans, enjoy the chase. Just know that in Piraeus, we don’t sell treasure unless you pay in gold.

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