Aston Villa Eyeing Double Raid On Olympiacos: Why They Must Tie Down the Talented Duo | OneFootball

If a report from Birmingham World is true, Aston Villa are monitoring Charalampos Kostoulas and Christos Mouzakitis ahead of a potential summer swoop. But they are not the only Premier League side to inquire about the Olympiacos pair. Arsenal have also contacted the Greek giants, and Manchester United and Brentford have sent scouts to monitor the teenage sensations.

After a brief stint at Agia Anna Volos, 17-year-old Kostoulas joined Olympiacos’ esteemed academy ranks. He made significant strides with the reserves and eventually broke into their senior squad in August 2024. The youngster has showcased his flexibility as a centre-forward, ‘number 10′ and wide attacker. With five goals and two assists in 29 appearances, the versatile attacking ace has cemented a regular spot in the Red-Whites’ first-team squad.

Mouzakitis, the 19-year-old wonderkid, had his youth spells with Posidonas Irakliou and AEK Athens before joining Olympiacos’ academy set-up. After impressing for their reserves last season in Super League Greece 2, the midfield prodigy was promoted to their senior side in September. Soon he secured a starting status in the middle of the park and has scored and assisted twice each in 22 outings, so far, this term. Predominantly a ‘number 8’, the young prospect prefers to operate box-to-box exhibing his vision, technicality and creative spark.

FORLI, ITALY – OCTOBER 31: Mattia Liberali of Italy and Charalampos Kostoulas of Greece in action during European Under-17 Championship 2024 qualifying round match between Greece and Italy at Stadio Tullo Morgagni on October 31, 2023 in Forli, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)

Aston Villa earned a staggering £100m from player sales following Jhon Duran, Jaden Philogene, and Diego Carlos’ respective transfers to Al Nassr, Ipswich Town, and Fenerbahce. They bolstered the flanks by tying down Donyell Malen for £21.5m. Also, the loan signings of Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford should boost their ‘top four’ hopes and inspire a deep run in the Champions League.

Why Aston Villa Must Rope In The Teenage Pair In Summer

Meanwhile, the Villans are building a sustainable project under Unai Emery by roping in long-term prospects. 22-year-old Andrés García, having joined in January from Levante, could replace Matty Cash in due time. Also, they have snapped up highly-rated Turkish centre-half Yasin Özcan, the 18-year-old Kasımpaşa talent who has already penned a pre-contract agreement ahead of a Bosman move in the summer. Academy ace Lamare Bogarde is enjoying a breakthrough season in a hybrid defensive role.

The egress of Duran leaves Emery with Ollie Watkins as the only outright ‘number 9’. Rashford, capable of spearheading the attack, has mostly operated from the wide in the recent past. Morgan Rogers has been the shining light as a midfield attacker, and Kostoulas, suitable for both roles, could slot in to challenge and cover the senior players. Irakliou would fit in the centre of the pitch as the understudy to John McGinn, Youri Tielemans, Ross Barkley and Boubacar Kamara, and the squad depth of the Lions would allow the Greek duo ample time to attune to the grind and demands of English football.