‘Talks Ongoing’ – David Ornstein Confirms Brighton’s Move for €40m Striker | OneFootball

Brighton’s Bold Bid for Kostoulas Reflects Changing Ambitions

Greek Talent Topped Albion’s Summer Wishlist

Brighton & Hove Albion’s measured evolution continues, but this time the ambition has a sharper edge. As reported by David Ornstein for The Athletic, “Brighton & Hove Albion have bid €40million (£34m; $45.6m) for Olympiacos striker Charalampos Kostoulas.” A bold play, it signals not only intent but an awareness that Brighton’s next step requires elite finishing in the final third.

Still just 18, Kostoulas has already carved out a name for himself on the continent. His role in Olympiacos’ UEFA Youth League triumph in 2023–24, five goals in eight matches, placed him firmly in the conversation among Europe’s most sought-after young forwards. He followed that success by stepping up for the first team in both the Greek Super League and Europa League, tallying seven goals and two assists in 30 appearances.

Photo: IMAGO

Calculated Pursuit

This isn’t Brighton’s first attempt. As The Athletic previously revealed, Brighton submitted an earlier offer of around £30m plus Abdallah Sima for Kostoulas. That bid was swiftly rejected. Olympiacos, keen to preserve future upside, are said to be demanding a sell-on clause rather than fringe players. Sima, despite being under Brighton contract since 2021, has not made a Premier League appearance and has instead been loaned out repeatedly.

Brighton’s approach, as ever, is not reckless. The club are known for unearthing and refining raw gems, and then selling smartly. But the proposed £34m investment in Kostoulas, if completed, would represent one of the most expensive in their history, underscoring just how highly they rate the Greek forward.

Striker Rebuild Under Hurzeler

Head coach Fabian Hürzeler faces a reset in his forward line. Danny Welbeck, now 34, carried the load during the run-in last season. Joao Pedro, meanwhile, was omitted from the final two matches in May after an altercation in training with Jan Paul van Hecke. The Athletic confirmed: “Joao Pedro’s future is uncertain” after his fall-out with Hürzeler.

Elsewhere, Brighton’s striking options are in transition. Evan Ferguson was loaned to West Ham, Julio Enciso finished the season with Ipswich, and Georginio Rutter’s injury added further complications. The arrival of Kostoulas would add fresh energy, and potentially, a new centrepiece, to an evolving squad.

Photo: IMAGO

Brighton had already made a move in the Greek market earlier this year, securing 19-year-old Stefanos Tzimas for over £20m. Tzimas was immediately loaned out to Nürnberg in Germany’s second tier, but could form part of a young and dynamic attacking duo next season.

Clear Long-Term Vision

This isn’t just a signing. It’s a statement. Brighton’s interest in Kostoulas speaks volumes about their strategy: invest in high-ceiling talent early, provide a platform to flourish in the Premier League, and build a squad with resale value and competitive edge.

With Brighton finishing eighth in the Premier League last season, narrowly missing out on European football, moves like this are about pushing them that step further. And if Kostoulas lives up to his billing, it might be the kind of calculated risk that becomes a landmark moment in Brighton’s rise.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Brighton fans, the pursuit of Charalampos Kostoulas is both exciting and a sign of how far the club has come. A £34m bid for an 18-year-old might have seemed outlandish not so long ago, but now it aligns with the club’s ambition and identity. Supporters have grown accustomed to Brighton’s sharp eye in the transfer market, and the Greek striker certainly ticks all the right boxes.

There will be some who question the price tag, after all, he’s still raw, with just one senior season behind him, but the trajectory is undeniable. He’s already performing in Europe, scoring at youth level on the continent, and now has a chance to be part of a forward line rebuild.

With the uncertainty around Joao Pedro and the reliance on an ageing Danny Welbeck, this feels like a necessary refresh. Fans will be hoping the club pushes the deal over the line and secures a talent who could help Brighton move from European hopefuls to regular contenders.