MANCHESTER UNITED are scouting Olympiacos wonderkid Charalampos Kostoulas ahead of the January transfer window.
Kostoulas, 17, is considered by many as the next big thing in Greek football after a stunning campaign with his club’s Under-19s last season and his current success with the senior squad.
SunSport can confirm that the striker’s impressive displays have led to interest from United who sent scouts to Piraeus to watch him in action against Twente in the Europa League last Thursday.
Reports from Greece suggest Bayern Munich, Juventus, Fiorentina and Borussia Monchengladbach are also keeping tabs on the Greece Under-21 international.
The same reports claim all the aforementioned clubs, bar Bayern, also sent representatives to watch the teenage sensation in action but SunSport can’t confirm at this time.
Nevertheless, Olympiacos have big plans for their young star as they will offer him a new contract once he turns 18 in May after becoming a key member of Jose Luis Mendilibar’s squad – his current deal runs out in 2026.
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And those close to Kostoulas, who counts two goals and an assist in 10 league matches, want him to remain focused and enjoy the holidays with his loved ones without getting distracted from the transfer rumour mill.
The centre-forward put together a man-of-the-match performance during the goalless draw with Twente at Georgios Karaiskakis and even earned a penalty kick that Ayoub El Kaabi wasted.
The versatile forward, who can lead the attack but also cover the wings and play behind the centre-forward, has already made history despite his young career.
Kostoulas was part of Olympiacos’ reserve squad that won last season’s Uefa Youth League after beating AC Milan 3-0 in the final.
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That side also defeated the likes of Inter Milan, Lens and Bayern on their way to becoming the first ever Greek club to win a European title last April.
The Under-19s completed that triumph one month before the seniors won the Europa Conference League by beating Fiorentina in the final that took place in Athens.
Kostoulas was a focal point for Olympiacos’ young side as he registered five goals and two assists in eight appearances in the Youth League
That led to Greek football chiefs awarding him as last season’s best young player in Greece’s second division, where Olympiacos’ B team compete.
Kostoulas has stood along with fellow Youth League champion Christos Mouzakitis, who recently became the youngest ever ace to play for Greece in a competitive game at 17 years, 10 months and 23 days old.
Man Utd have been investing a lot in young talent lately with the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo breaking into the starting line-up.
Man Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its head
AMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.
The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.
But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.
Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…
Andre Onana – 6
He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.
Wasn’t tested that much however.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.
Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.
Harry Maguire – 8
Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.
The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.
Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7
A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.
But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equalise
Manuel Ugarte – 7
Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.
Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8
The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s bets performers on the day.
Mason Mount 13′ – 6
Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.
Amad Diallo 90′ – 9
The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez pass, he then clipped the ball past Edersonn and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.
Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.
Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.
Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6
Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.
But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.
Subs
Kobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6
Did a solid job as he came on ina deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forward
Joshua Zrikzee 78′ – 6
Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.
Antony 78′ – 6
Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.
Leny Yoro 78′ – 6
Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.
Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6
No time to have any influence on the game.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
