United’s hopes of landing crown jewel of European club crushed after sporting director’s latest remarks

Olympiacos sporting director Darko Kovacevic has emphasised that their goal is not only to retain reported Manchester United target Charalampos Kostoulas this season but also to keep him for many years to come.

Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became a minority owner of United last year, the club’s transfer strategy has shifted from targeting established superstars to focusing on young talents with the potential to develop into world-class players.

Last summer alone, United brought in the likes of Chido Obi (17), Samuel Lusale (17), Sekou Kone (18) and Leny Yoro (18).

In January, the Red Devils signed 18-year-old Ayden Heaven, who has already made his breakthrough into the first team.

It was no surprise, then, when reports surfaced that United were monitoring Kostoulas, widely considered one of the brightest young talents emerging from Greece.

A report covered by The Peoples Person last weekend relayed that Ruben Amorim’s side made contact with Olympiacos to enquire about the 17-year-old.

He is not the only Greek wonderkid playing for Olympiacos who’s on United’s radar. The English giants are also believed to be eyeing Christoph Mouzakitis.

While Mouzakitis has already made his international debut for Greece, Kostoulas has yet to do so—but it seems only a matter of time before he earns his first cap.

So far this season, Kostoulas has made 21 top-flight appearances, scoring an impressive six goals and providing one assist in that period.

As interest in him mounts, Olympiacos chief Darko Kovacevic has insisted the teenager will not be offloaded in the summer.

Kovacevic said [as quoted by GOAL], “There is growing interest in him, but he is an Olympiacos player.”

“He will stay at Olympiacos for sure this season, and I hope for longer.”

Kovacevic’s remarks may be motivated by the fact that Kostoulas’ contract with Olympiacos runs until June 2030. The club are therefore under no pressure to sell him in the upcoming window.

Featured image Milos Bicanski via Getty Images

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