Konstantinos Koulierakis (foto: Uradni Twitter profil kluba/zveze)
Wolfsburg has signed 20-year-old center-back Konstantinos Koulierakis from PAOK for €11.75 million, marking the largest transfer in PAOK's history, with potential bonuses that could raise the fee to nearly €15 million.
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When Aleksandar Prijović was sold to Al Ittihad for €10 million in January 2019, he set a record for PAOK as their most expensive transfer. This record was later surpassed by Christos Tzolis, who moved to Norwich for €11 million. However, this summer, a new record has been set with the transfer of Konstantinos Koulierakis to Wolfsburg for €11.75 million, with the potential for the fee to rise to nearly €15 million with bonuses.
Koulierakis, a 20-year-old talent from Chania, Crete, has marginally surpassed Tzolis's record, but the final transfer fee could increase if the €3 million in potential bonuses are achieved.
A year ago, Milan was interested in Koulierakis as a potential left-footed center-back, but they were unwilling to meet the €10 million asking price plus bonuses. Had Milan signed Koulierakis back then, we might not be seeing Strahinja Pavlović in the colors of one of Europe's biggest clubs today. Milan’s search for a left-footed defender continued after they missed out on Sven Botman two summers ago and decided against Koulierakis last August.
Two years ago, a friendly match between PAOK and Heerenveen attracted scouts from several European clubs. They came to watch the then 18-year-old Koulierakis, and immediately after the match, they inquired about his price. PAOK's management responded that he would cost €15 million.
Wolfsburg has now met PAOK’s demands, signing the Greek international. Although Koulierakis has been announced as a Wolfsburg player, he will only join his new teammates in Germany after helping PAOK in their Europa League playoff matches against Shamrock Rovers on August 22 and 29.
Wolfsburg sees Koulierakis as a replacement for Maxence Lacroix, who is expected to move to Crystal Palace once Marc Guehi completes his anticipated transfer to Newcastle United. Newcastle is currently offering €70 million plus €6 million in bonuses, while the London club is asking for €76 million plus €6 million.
In his senior career, Koulierakis has made 72 appearances for PAOK, showcasing impressive stats for a defender, with nine goals and four assists.