Why Olympiacos are still chasing Salah-Eddine after being told “No” | OneFootball

Most transfer pursuits end when the player does not want the move. Olympiacos apparently believe this one deserves another conversation. That tells us something.

Kostas Nikolakopoulos reported Tuesday that Geoffrey Moncada is expected to meet Anass Salah-Eddine personally in what Moroccan sources describe as Olympiacos’ final attempt to persuade the Roma left-back to come to Greece.

The immediate temptation is to interpret that as desperation. It may actually be the opposite. Olympiacos seem to have identified a player they believe fits their tactical requirements unusually well and are determining whether the obstacle is permanent rejection—or simply uncertainty that can still be resolved.

The player is the problem, not necessarily Roma

The important distinction throughout this story has been that the hardest part does not appear to be reaching a club-to-club framework. Several reports have already indicated substantial progress between Olympiacos and Roma. The resistance has come from Salah-Eddine himself.

Public reporting from Dutch-oriented sources had gone as far as saying the player did not want the Greek move despite a reported €7m plus €1m framework between the clubs. Other reports subsequently suggested the situation remained alive.

That contradiction explains Moncada’s meeting. At this stage Olympiacos need clarity more than another intermediary message.

Personal recruitment can matter

Modern transfers are increasingly sold to players like projects.

Moncada can explain directly:

how Mendilibar sees him;

where he plays;

what Champions League football could offer;

how Olympiacos intend to develop the squad;

and what pathway exists beyond Greece.

That may be particularly important for Salah-Eddine. He performed well on loan at PSV and therefore already knows the Eredivisie environment. Nikolakopoulos notes that Dutch interest remains part of his thinking.

Olympiacos must therefore make the case that Piraeus represents progression rather than simply another transfer.

Mendilibar’s preference changes the interpretation

The most useful new Olympiacos-side information may be that Mendilibar and Kovačević apparently viewed Salah-Eddine or Tiknizyan as their preferred replacements for Ortega from the outset.

That means the pursuit has tactical roots. Salah-Eddine is attractive because he can provide:

progressive carrying;

technical security in possession;

mobility;

high positioning;

and the ability to function in more than one left-sided role.

Those qualities are useful for a Mendilibar side because Olympiacos’ full-backs are not merely defensive players. They are part of the attack.

He and Tiknizyan solve the same problem differently

The fact that Salah-Eddine and Tiknizyan were reportedly the preferred two is revealing. Both are proactive full-backs. But the emphasis differs. Tiknizyan brings greater directness, physical aggression and vertical running.

Salah-Eddine is arguably the more fluid possession player. He can combine inside.

He can progress through pressure. He can operate almost like an additional midfielder in certain phases.

Olympiacos therefore appear less interested in finding a conservative replacement for Ortega than in adding another player capable of actively changing the attack.

Why not simply move on to Tiknizyan?

Because Red Star control the timetable. Nikolakopoulos notes that Tiknizyan is involved in Red Star’s critical Champions League qualifier, while previous reporting indicated the Serbian club do not want to properly address his future until their European position is clearer.

That gives Olympiacos an incentive to resolve Salah-Eddine quickly. If he says yes, proceed. If he says no, stop investing time and concentrate on Tiknizyan or another alternative. The meeting may therefore be as much about closing the file as completing the transfer.

Moncada’s role is becoming clearer

This is exactly the sort of situation in which a senior recruitment executive becomes useful. The scouting work is finished. Mendilibar knows the profile he wants. The clubs appear capable of discussing terms. What remains is persuasion and decision-making. Moncada’s responsibility is not simply identifying players.

It is turning recruitment intent into executable transactions. A direct meeting with Salah-Eddine is a logical test of that responsibility.

Olympiacos should not allow the saga to drag

There is also a limit. Olympiacos need a left-back. European football has already started. Several other positions still require attention. The club cannot spend another week trying to convince somebody whose preference lies elsewhere. That makes the phrase “final meeting” meaningful.

If Salah-Eddine leaves the conversation unconvinced, Olympiacos should have their answer. Then Tiknizyan—or another option—must move to the front.

The decision now belongs largely to the player

Olympiacos appear ready to sell him the project again. Roma want a departure for the player. Mendilibar reportedly wants him. Moncada is prepared to speak directly.

There is not much more a buying club can reasonably do, so the story has reached a clean point.

Not agreement, not medical, not “here we go”, but a decision.

Unless Salah-Eddine changes his position, Olympiacos’ long-running pursuit may finally end with that meeting.