Newcastle set to launch ‘huge offer’ to sign Olympiacos star – Big claims from Greece

The impending departure of sporting director Paul Mitchell hasn’t derailed Newcastle United’s ambitious plans to identify and secure football’s next generation of stars.

While the club undergoes structural changes at the executive level, their scouting network continues working tirelessly to unearth hidden gems across Europe.

The latest name generating excitement is Olympiacos striker Babis Kostoulas, an 18-year-old sensation whose performances have reportedly attracted serious interest from the Magpies.

Greek journalist Giorgos Tsanakas of Sport FM claims Newcastle are preparing a “huge offer” for the teenage forward, who played a pivotal role in Olympiacos’ domestic double and impressive Europa League campaign.

Kostoulas’ six goals and one assist in 21 league appearances only tell part of the story – his technical ability, physical maturity beyond his years, and composure in European competition have marked him as one of Greece’s most exciting prospects.

With Brighton already testing the waters with a £30 million player-plus-cash offer according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Newcastle face stiff competition for a player whose contract runs until 2030.

This potential move exemplifies Newcastle’s evolving recruitment philosophy under their Saudi-backed ownership. While marquee signings capture headlines, the club’s parallel strategy of identifying precocious talents like Antonio Cordero and Vakhtang Salia demonstrates a commitment to sustainable growth.

Kostoulas represents exactly the profile of player who could flourish under Eddie Howe’s tutelage before developing into a first-team regular or valuable asset.

His versatility to play across the frontline and proven ability in multiple competitions make him particularly appealing for a club balancing domestic and European commitments.

However, Newcastle supporters have learned to approach such rumors with cautious optimism. The recent Joan Garcia saga – where the Magpies were reportedly used as leverage in the Espanyol youngster’s move to Barcelona – serves as a reminder of how easily clubs can become pawns in transfer negotiations.

Until reputable local sources corroborate the Kostoulas links, the story may simply reflect agent-driven speculation designed to inflate the player’s value.

Complicating matters further is the intricate web of club ownership in modern football. Olympiacos and Nottingham Forest’s shared proprietor Evangelos Marinakis demonstrated last summer his reluctance to strengthen Premier League rivals, famously dragging his feet over Anthony Elanga’s potential move to Tyneside.

This precedent suggests Newcastle may need to significantly outbid competitors to convince Marinakis to part with another prized asset. The Greek magnate’s track record indicates he values competitive advantage over pure financial gain when dealing with domestic rivals.

Newcastle’s recruitment team must weigh several factors in pursuing Kostoulas:

1. Development Pathway – Does the club have a clear plan to integrate the teenager rather than loan him out indefinitely?
2. Price Justification – At £30 million-plus, does his potential outweigh more proven alternatives?
3. Ownership Politics – Can they navigate Marinakis’ complex dual interests?

The broader context makes this potential transfer particularly intriguing. As Financial Fair Play regulations force clubs to think creatively, investing in high-upside youngsters represents both a sporting and financial strategy.

Kostoulas’ resale value could appreciate dramatically with proper development, making him an attractive proposition regardless of whether he becomes a first-team regular.

For Eddie Howe, the appeal lies in molding raw talent. His track record with young players at Bournemouth and Newcastle suggests he could provide the ideal environment for Kostoulas to flourish.

The Greek international’s physical attributes and technical foundation appear well-suited to Premier League football, while his European experience gives him valuable exposure to high-pressure environments.

Newcastle’s interest in Kostoulas – whether genuine or perceived – underscores their ambition to build for both immediate and long-term success. While established stars will always dominate transfer headlines, securing emerging talents represents equally crucial business for a club with Newcastle’s aspirations.

As the summer window progresses, this potential move will serve as an important test case for how effectively Newcastle can operate in the competitive youth market during a period of front office transition.

The coming weeks will reveal whether Newcastle’s interest translates into concrete action, or if this proves another example of the rumor mill in overdrive.

Either way, their continued links to Europe’s most promising youngsters demonstrate a recruitment philosophy that extends far beyond the current first-team needs – a promising sign for the club’s sustainable growth.