Babis Kostoulas: Brighton’s Greek Gamble or the Steal of the Decade?

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·16 June 2025

Babis Kostoulas: Brighton’s Greek Gamble or the Steal of the Decade?

Pictures: Brighton & Hove Albion Official & Eurokinissi

There’s a teenage phenom that's just left the port of Piraeus this summer and Brighton just made him the most expensive sale in Olympiacos history. His name is Charalampos 'Babis' Kostoulas, and if you're a Seagulls supporter wondering why your club just splashed €35 million (plus bonuses and a 20% resale clause) on an 18-year-old with barely a handful of senior appearances, allow us to walk you through it.

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This isn’t a typical scouting report. This is a message—from fans who’ve watched him since he was a boy, to the fans who will now inherit him.

Born a No.9, Forged in a System

Kostoulas came through the Olympiacos academy as a natural striker. Tall (6'1" / 185cm), wiry, but strong in the challenge, he showed early signs of becoming an elite finisher. But under José Luis Mendilibar, a coach who values pressing, discipline, and positional flexibility above all else, Babis was stretched—figuratively and literally.

He played as a false nine, an attacking midfielder, and both wings in Greece’s top division and the Europa League. And despite being just 17 at the time, he never looked lost. He didn’t just survive Mendilibar’s high-intensity system. He thrived in it.

What Brighton Are Really Getting

Let’s cut to the chase: you’re signing a footballer who plays with zero fear. Kostoulas is the kind of kid who’ll take on a 28-year-old centre-back like it’s a youth scrimmage. Technically gifted, agile for his size, and incredibly coachable, he’s equally happy driving at defenders or pressing them into submission.

Defensively, he’s relentless. Mendilibar’s press relies on the #9 initiating the trap, and Babis embraced this role wholeheartedly—closing down passing lanes, challenging second balls, and never switching off. Offensively, he’s decisive, particularly in direct build-up systems that prioritize speed over possession.

The Stats That Back It Up

In the Greek Super League, where Olympiacos often dominates possession, Kostoulas posted standout numbers among wingers and attacking midfielders. Shot-creating actions, expected assists (xA), and involvement in buildup play all pointed to a player mature beyond his years.

But it’s his Europa League output that should catch Brighton fans’ attention.

Despite Olympiacos ranking 23rd out of 36 teams for possession, Kostoulas held his own—and then some. Even while playing in team with low possession in Europe, he was well above average in shot creating actions including key passes, assists and xGxA. Moreover, his radar chart put him in the 90th percentile or higher for aerial duel wins and defensive involvement among all Europa League attackers under 21. That’s not normal for a 17-year-old. That’s elite.

This Kid’s Got Grit

Brighton fans have every reason to be excited about his technical qualities. But there’s another layer here, one that doesn’t show up in data.

Kostoulas is humble. He doesn’t chase headlines, doesn’t stir noise on social media, and doesn’t act like the next big thing—even though he just might be. He grinds. He listens. He learns. And when he pulls on a shirt, he gives 100%—whether it’s against Levadiakos or Liverpool.

Why Brighton Made This Bet

Kostoulas is raw. He’s still growing physically, still adapting to senior football, and has never played outside Greece. But his ceiling? The sky's the limit. This is a player who dominated the UEFA Youth League, played out of position at senior level, and still ranked among the most efficient attackers in his league.

Brighton didn’t just buy a prospect. They bought a project—one with the mentality, work rate, and football IQ to become something special. Maybe even very special.