The transfer “frenzy” continues at Olympiacos, which is trying to finalize deals within the next ten days, as the rosters for the Conference League group stage must be submitted to UEFA by September 3.
The signing of Joachim Melle appears to be the closest to being finalized. Reports from the Danish fullback’s home country indicate that an agreement in principle has been reached, and now it’s a matter of finding common ground with Wolfsburg. The German club is reportedly asking for 4 million euros for the 29-year-old star, who played in the first half of Wolfsburg’s Cup match yesterday. Verona’s Rafik Belgali also remains on the list as an alternative for the right-back position.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Reports from Mexico indicate that, following the signing of Armando González, Olympiacos is also close to signing Edson Álvarez. West Ham, which owns the 28-year-old defensive midfielder, would prefer to sell him for a fee of around 12 million euros, but the possibility of a loan deal is also on the table. For example, last year Fenerbahçe acquired him on a €2 million “loan,” fully covering his contract. Gustavo Puerta is always in the picture as well; he is the first choice for the midfield, but Racing Santander is currently not considering anything less than the payment of the 16 million euro buyout clause. On the other hand, Morten Fredrup isn’t “sold” on the prospect of playing in the Greek league.
As for Rubén Vargas, negotiations are continuing with Sevilla. According to reports from Spain, Olympiacos is offering 12 million euros plus bonuses, while the Andalusians are demanding 15 million euros. The gap isn’t large, and given that the Swiss winger has begun to look favorably upon Greece, a deal may be very close. Brian Hill is still in the running, as he is a favorite target of José Luis Medilibar, but at the moment there doesn’t seem to be any “light at the end of the tunnel,” while Servette’s Junior Candile, who was also a target, has agreed to terms with Krasnodar.
On the departures front, Krasnodar is trying to sign Zélson Martins by offering the Portuguese player a lucrative contract and paying Olympiacos approximately 2 million euros for the 31-year-old star. The situations involving Kostinia and Bruno also remain open, as it appears they are waiting for offers from abroad.
*photo source: AP
