Dimitris Giannoulis closing in
Olympiacos are closing in on Augsburg left-back Dimitris Giannoulis, and it looks like he is yours. The Greek international is the club's priority target for the position after Francisco Ortega's loan ended, and reports suggest Olympiacos hold the edge over Coventry and PAOK in the race (1). The 29-year-old knows the league and would slot straight into Mendilibar's system with no adjustment period. Landing him means the Maffeo deal at right-back now has a left-sided mirror: two full-backs, both ready to start, both arriving early in the window.
Balša Popović emerges as goalkeeper target
With Alexandros Paschalakis gone, Olympiacos need a goalkeeper and Red Star Belgrade's Balša Popović is the name gaining traction. The 25-year-old Serbian is seen as the frontrunner to compete with Konstantinos Tzolakis for the starting spot (2). Popović fits the profile Mendilibar likes: commanding in the box, good with his feet, and experienced despite his age after featuring for both Red Star and OFK Belgrade. No deal is done yet, but the chatter is real.
Fan reactions
The mood among Olympiacos supporters is quietly optimistic. Giannoulis returning to Greece feels like a statement signing to many, and there is genuine relief that the club is moving decisively at full-back on both flanks. The Popović links have split opinion somewhat. Some fans want a bigger name between the posts, but most trust Mendilibar's judgment and just want a deal wrapped up fast. Join the discussion.
