Manchester United have officially lost the transfer race for Greek sensation Charalampos Kostoulas, whose signing has now been announced by Brighton and Hove Albion.
United are believed to have held an interest in Kostoulas as part of the club’s renewed efforts to secure the services of world football’s most promising talents.
Kostoulas is widely regarded as the crown jewel of a promising new golden generation of Greek wonderkids.
He made his first-team debut for Olympiacos in 2024, having come through the club’s youth system. He wasted no time in cementing his place in the team and went on to play a crucial role in the side’s title-winning campaign, as Olympiacos were crowned champions of Greece for the 2024/25 campaign.
The 18-year-old netted an impressive six goals and provided one assist in the 22 top-flight appearances he made.
He was a regular starter for Olympiacos when they won the prestigious UEFA Youth League in 2024, beating Inter Milan and Bayern Munich on their way to lifting the trophy. Kostoulas and his teammates beat AC Milan in the final.
In addition to United, Arsenal were also mentioned to be admirers of Kostoulas.
In recent weeks, however, it was Brighton who emerged as the most determined to get a deal over the line.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that Kostoulas was set for a medical with the Seagulls after striking an agreement with Olympiacos.
If any United fan was hoping for a late hijack to scupper Brighton’s deal for Kostoulas, they’ll be very disappointed, with the transfer now sealed.
Brighton have confirmed Kostoulas has signed a contract running until 2030.
🚨🔵⚪️ Official: Charalampos Kostoulas joins from Olympiacos for €35m plus €2m add-ons.
Contract until June 2030. 🇬🇷 pic.twitter.com/HdbPSqeQjU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 12, 2025
He is expected to feature in Brighton’s pre-season games, which include friendlies against Southampton on 2 August and Wolfsburg on 9 August.
Featured image Milos Bicanski via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
