Babys Kostoulas is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about young players for Brighton. The 19-year-old Greek forward has made a bright start to the season, playing a key role in victories over Manchester United and Arsenal.
Brighton has long cultivated a reputation for finding promising young talent, developing it, and then selling it for significant sums. Following the departures of players like Leandro Trossard, Alexis Mac Allister, Joao Pedro, and Carlos Baleba, perhaps the most high-profile sale has been Moises Caicedo, who joined Chelsea for a staggering £115 million.
Now, the next big asset for the club could well be Kostoulas.
From Olympiacos academy to the Premier League
Kostoulas was born in 2007 and has been surrounded by football from the age of two, thanks to his father, Thanasis Kostoulas, a former defender for Olympiacos.
In 2019, Babys joined Olympiacos's academy alongside his older brother, Konstantinos.
At the youth level, Kostoulas made a rapid impact, netting 23 goals and providing nine assists in 51 appearances.
His scoring prowess and style of play even earned him the nickname "Babistuta," a nod to the legendary Argentine striker Gabriel Batistuta.
Historic success with Olympiacos
2024 was a particularly significant year.
Alongside his Under-19 teammates, Kostoulas clinched the UEFA Youth League, marking the first European trophy for the Greek club at that level.
This success opened the door for him into the first team.
Kostoulas became the youngest goalscorer in Olympiacos history in the Greek Super League, finding the net at just 17 years, five months, and 11 days in a match against PAOK.
His quick rise captured the attention of numerous European clubs.
Clubs linked with the forward included Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, and AC Milan.
Ultimately, it was Brighton who won the race for his signature.
Brighton paid around £30 million
Kostoulas made his move to Brighton last summer, with reports stating the deal was worth approximately £30 million, including around £2 million in bonuses.
A contract was signed until 2030 with the Greek forward.
His first season in England was gradual, with Brighton manager Fabian Huertzel easing him into the first-team setup.
One of his standout moments came with a stunning overhead strike against Bournemouth, which salvaged a late draw for the team.
However, this current season looks markedly different.
Kostoulas shines against Manchester United and Arsenal
At the beginning of the 2026/27 season, Kostoulas has noticeably upped his game.
In the first eight matches across all competitions, he has already contributed four goals and three assists.
His recent performances against Manchester United and Arsenal were particularly impressive.
Brighton triumphed in a dramatic 3-2 victory over United, with Kostoulas scoring and providing an assist, playing a pivotal role in the comeback.
Then, facing reigning champions Arsenal, he once again registered a goal and an assist as Brighton secured a 3-0 win, handing the London club their first defeat of the league season.
Such displays have thrust the 19-year-old forward into the spotlight.
The next major transfer?
Brighton has proven adept at turning relatively unknown players into world-class talents before selling them for enormous sums.
While it may be premature to discuss the specifics of a potential future transfer for Kostoulas, if he continues to score and influence results against the top sides in England, interest from elite clubs will undoubtedly intensify.
Currently, Kostoulas remains focused on Brighton and the Greek national team. However, his rapid development already positions him as one of the club's most promising assets.
