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Brighton announce €35m record striker signing amid Joao Pedro uncertainty

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Brighton announce €35m record striker signing amid Joao Pedro uncertainty

Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed the acquisition of promising young striker Charalampos Kostoulas from Greek champions Olympiacos.

The 18-year-old has completed his medical and signed a long-term deal that will keep him at the Amex Stadium until 2030. The official move is set to take place on July 1, pending the successful completion of all standard regulatory procedures.

Reports suggest Brighton will pay an initial £29.8 million (€35 million) for Kostoulas, with an additional £1.7 million (€2 million) in performance-based clauses.

This transfer marks a historic moment for Greek football, smashing the previous record for the highest fee ever received by a Greek club. That record was previously held by Olympiacos as well, when Wolverhampton Wanderers paid £16.6 million for Daniel Podence back in 2020.

If all add-ons are eventually activated, Kostoulas would eclipse Kostas Manolas’s £30.6 million transfer from Roma to Napoli in 2019, making him the most expensive Greek player of all time.

This deal also continues Brighton’s recent focus on emerging Greek talent, following their January signing of 19-year-old Stefanos Tzimas for a reported £20 million. Tzimas spent the latter half of the season on loan at German club Nürnberg.

Brighton’s head coach Fabian Hurzeler shared his excitement over the new signing, praising the teenager’s talent and drive. He described Kostoulas as an exceptional young footballer who is eager to challenge himself in the Premier League.

Hurzeler also emphasized the value the striker brings to the squad, noting that his versatility in attack will provide the team with fresh tactical options.

Kostoulas had attracted attention from other major European clubs prior to joining Brighton. Manchester United are believed to have scouted him in late 2024, even initiating contact about a potential transfer. Arsenal were also previously linked with the Olympiacos prodigy.

Widely regarded as one of Europe’s top emerging talents, Kostoulas first made headlines when he debuted for Olympiacos B at just 15 years old in January 2023, becoming the youngest player to ever appear for the club.

He has showcased his ability to play across the front line and even in advanced midfield roles, demonstrating tactical intelligence and technical skill beyond his years.

In the 2023–24 campaign, Kostoulas played a key role in Olympiacos’ UEFA Youth League triumph, scoring five times in eight appearances. He also found the net seven times in 22 outings for the senior team in the Greek Super League.

His move to Brighton coincides with growing speculation around the future of Joao Pedro. The Brazilian forward is reportedly drawing interest from several top Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Newcastle United, which could open up further opportunities for Kostoulas to make an early impact at his new club.

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FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why

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FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here's why

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.

As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.

Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.

In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage

The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.

Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.

The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.

Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.

This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.

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Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

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Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.

The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.

According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.

His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.

Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.

Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.

United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.

De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.

The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.

Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.

“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.

“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.

“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”

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