Ilias Kostis becomes Castellón’s 11th signing in €500,000 move from Atlético | OneFootball

Ilias Kostis has become CD Castellón’s 11th signing for next season, the first centre-back through the door this summer and a left-footed option. The Greek under-21 international is already with Pablo Hernández’s side at the Royalverd Training Center after joining from Atlético Madrid.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, Castellón are paying Atlético €500,000 and Kostis has signed a four-year deal to 2030. He addresses a gap left by Fabrizio Brignani’s serious injury.

In recent friendlies Hernández has tried several solutions at centre-back, with Alberto Jiménez and Agustín Sienra the natural options. Full-backs Jeremy Mellot and José Albert have also featured there, and Iago Parente, signed from Valladolid for the B team, has had minutes. His arrival widens the coaches’ choices.

The 23-year-old joined Atlético’s academy in 2019 and spent several seasons with the B team, where he overlapped with former Castellón player Álex Calatrava. He has already played at Castalia in Primera RFEF.

Kostis stepped up to Atlético’s first team, debuting under Diego Simeone in the Champions League and the Copa del Rey. He then suffered a serious knee ligament injury during a first-team friendly last October.

Now in the final stages of recovery, and after interest from Portuguese clubs, he has chosen Castellón to regain his best level and showcase his qualities. On arrival he expressed happiness, eagerness to start and a determination to give his all.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo