Charalampos Kostoulas officially joins Brighton from Olympiacos on July 1st, in a deal that is around £34m including add-ons.
The 18-year-old Greek wonderkid, known as Babis, has been the talk of the summer so far with many clubs chasing his signature.
The Seagulls fought hard to get the deal over the line and it is one that has cost them nearly their record transfer fee, which currently stands at £40m for Georginio Rutter.
The price tag has given fans a lot of expectations, so what can they expect from their new recruit? And where will he fit in?
VAVEL explores all here.
Club Career
Babis started his football career with Agia Anna Volos, before joining Olympiacos' academy in 2019 at the age of 12.
He quickly progressed through the ranks, notably scoring 16 goals in 15 appearances during the 2021/22 season, where his side went on to win the U15 championship.
His outstanding season caught the eye of the Red-Whites, and he was offered his first professional contract in September 2022.
At the age of 15 he was a key player in the Greek side's U19 team, scoring nine goals and providing three assists in 830 minutes across 14 games.
His ridiculous goal scoring played a major part in securing the club's first U19 Greek Champion title.
He was also given a few minutes in the Olympiacos B team.
The following season he split his games between the U19s and the B team, making 33 appearances in total, scoring nine goals and picking up six assists.
For the U19s he played 1,405 minutes across four competitions, in which he scored six goals and provided three assists.
His output once again played a key part in the squad's success, as they went on to win the U19 title for a second season in a row and the UEFA Youth League, where they beat **AC Milan**3-0 in the final.
His other 676 minutes came in the B team, in which he scored three goals and picked up three assists.
His goals came against Panathinaikos B, Diagoras Rodou, and AO Giouchtas.
His side beat the latter 3-1, with him playing a part in each of the three goals.
Keep in mind he was still only 16 or 17 years old during these games.
And at the age of 17, he was given a chance in the first team.
In the 2024/25 season he made 35 senior appearances, scored seven goals and assisted two.
He was even given valuable minutes in the Europa League, playing against the likes of Rangers, FC Porto, and Olympique Lyon.
His first goal for the club was scored in a derby game against PAOK in an intense atmosphere.
Not only was it a crucial goal in the club's season, but he also become Olympiacos's youngster ever scorer at the age of 17 years, five months, and 11 days.
He also played two games for the U19s, in which he scored five goals.
International Career
Babis was born in Athens and is Greek through and through.
That combined with his incredible talent makes it no surprise he already has many international youth caps under his belt.
He made his Greece U16 debut on May 4, 2023, at the age of 15 years, 11 months, and four days.
He played three games, captained the team against Wales and Finland, and scored a brace against Hungary.
He made his Greece U17 debut on September 7, 2023, at the age of 16 years, three months, and eight days.
He received eight caps in total, scoring and assisting against Italy.
He was also named captain in two matches versus Austria.
He made his Greece U19 debut on November 15, 2023, at the age of 16 years, five months, and 16 days.
He only played 265 minutes across six games.
He made his Greece U21 debut on October 11, 2024, at the age of 17 years, four months, and 11 days.
So far, he has been given two caps and he scored in both.
One goal came against Slovakia and the other came against Croatia.
He is yet to be given a senior call-up, but it will not be long until he is.
What can he bring to Brighton?
Plain and simple, Babis is a beast.
After just a few games he was quickly compared to Argentine hero Gabriel Batistuta and for that reason he was given the nickname Babistuta.
In terms of style and profile compared to current players, he similar to the likes of Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema, Marseille's Amine Gouiri, and Sporting CP's Rodrigo Ribeiro.
At the age of 18 he is already 6'1" tall and weighs around 75KG.
He is physical and intense.
That is exactly what manager Fabian Hürzeler has been asking for.
Despite his height, his best attributes include flair, agility, pace, technique, and dribbling.
He is also extremely athletic and good in the air.
In front of goal his finishing is top tier, and he has that natural killer instinct that is rare to find.
The Greek is also fantastic at linking the play.
As of yet, he has not showed any significant weaknesses.
But that can change after a few games in the Premier League.
Importantly, his confidence and 'aura' are like no other seen at Brighton before.
If his mentality is as good as it is said to be, then he will go right to the very top and be one of the best players to ever play on the south coast.
Where will he fit in?
Brighton have an abundance of attacking options, but many look to be on their way out this summer, so Babis will be straight into the team with an important role to play.
The likes of João Pedro, Julio Enciso, and Jeremy Sarmiento are all expected to depart in the coming months and there is also the possibility of Kaoru Mitoma, Facundo Buonanotte, and Evan Ferguson following suit.
Babis can play a few positions across the front line, including right wing and attacking midfield.
But with Yankuba Minteh continuing to improve, Harry Howell breaking through, and Hürzeler not deploying a stereotypical number 10, it is likely he will not be played in either of these positions.
His other two positions are as a striker or second striker.
As things stand, the options in these two areas next season are likely to be Georginio Rutter,, Brajan Gruda, Danny Welbeck, Evan Ferguson or a new number nine, and fellow Greek Stefanos Tzimas.
There is a lot of competition, but if he shows his skills and potential in training, it will not be long until he claims a starting spot in one of these positions.
A partnership of the two Greeks looks to be a realistic and exciting possibility heading into the new season.
Whoever Babis partners and wherever he plays, there is no doubt he will continue to work and work and show why Tony Bloom splashed over £30m on him.
He is special.