Joël Roca should now be considered an Olympiacos player, as the “Red-and-Whites” have finalized a deal with Girona to sign the 21-year-old Spanish winger.

The deal is now finalized, and the young soccer player is expected to join Olympiacos’ preseason training immediately.

The Piraeus-based club proceeded methodically to secure his signing, overcoming the difficulties that arose during negotiations with both Girona and the player’s representatives. The deal with the Spanish club is reportedly worth over 5 million euros and could approach 7 million euros when including anticipated bonuses, while it also includes a sell-on clause.

Roca is expected in Greece for the necessary medical and fitness tests and, barring any unforeseen circumstances, will sign a multi-year contract with Olympiacos.

José Luis Medilibar played a decisive role in finalizing the transfer. The Basque coach was keen to sign his compatriot, maintained open communication with him, and explained the role he intends to assign him in his game plan.

Brian Hill Back in the Spotlight

Just as Olympiacos was finalizing the deal for Roca, reports in Spain once again linked Brian Hill to the “red-and-whites.”

The Spanish winger is a familiar face in the Piraeus club’s transfer plans, as he had been a major focus for the team during the previous two summers. Medilibar appreciates his qualities and had singled him out to bolster the wings of the attack.

Hill had not chosen to come to Greece at the time, but reports from his home country suggest that he may now be reconsidering a move to Olympiacos.

Amrabat
remains in the picture Sofian Amrabat also remains on the transfer list, a case with a different level of difficulty, due to financial considerations as well as interest from other European teams and clubs in Saudi Arabia.

The Moroccan international midfielder is owned by Fenerbahçe and commands a particularly high salary. His quality and experience, however, are qualities that could elevate the level of Olympiacos’ midfield.

His situation remains open, though this does not mean that a definitive agreement is in place at this moment or that the transfer is close to being finalized.

The Giannoulis
Situation Is Still “On the Table” Olympiacos continues to search for a left back, as all signs indicate that Francisco Ortega will not remain on the roster for the new season.

Dimitris Giannoulis remains in the picture, and Augsburg does not appear opposed to the possibility of releasing him. The “Red-and-Whites” have seriously considered his case and are reported to have submitted an offer of approximately 4.5 million euros.

The matter remains open, with the Greek international defender being one of the top options to strengthen the left side of the defense.

Lykogiannis
is also on the list The name of Babis Lykogiannis has also come up in discussions. The 32-year-old left back is a free agent following his stint at Bologna and has many years of experience in the Italian league.

Olympiacos had considered bringing him back in the past, but the deal ultimately fell through. This time, his name has resurfaced as a potential option for the left-back position.

English Clubs Are Insisting on Tzolakis
Meanwhile, interest from Premier League teams is growing in Konstantinos Tzolakis, who has become one of Olympiacos’ most important players.

The Greek international goalkeeper is on the radar of several English clubs, which are closely monitoring his development and performances. So far, there has been no official offer that meets Olympiacos’ demands, though exploratory talks and interest are very real.

Olympiacos has no intention of easily letting go of their starting goalkeeper, and only an exceptionally high offer could spark serious discussions about his sale.

Photo source: AP