Transfer Talk: Clean out at Olympiacos

By: Peter Katsiris | July 4th, 2008

The title may exaggerate what has actually happened in Piraeus, but after all it is a Greek blog (if you didn’t know, us Greeks tend to over exaggerate). Anyway, let’s switch to the transfer talk. After a scrappy run to win the domestic double, it was clear that many changes were going to be made at Olympiacos. With the call for youth, it made it more clear who the ones being left out for next season were going to be. Poor performances also led to the final decision, while contract issues also played a factor.The club has officially parted ways with Michalis Konstantinou, Michalis Sifakis, as well as Tomislav Butina.

Cypriot international Michalis Konstantinou was released after a series of poor seasons. His move to Piraeus from capital rivals Panathinaikos was greatly anticipated and celebrated with much joy. However, a quick start to his career in Piraeus was short lived after plaguing injuries and limited playing time. He combined with teammates to create many great memories during his stay at Karaiskaki, but unfortunately the good times were not consistent. It is unclear where Konstantinou’s next stop will be but Greek side PAOK has shown interest in the 30 year old. If PAOK withdraw their interest in Konstantinou there is alwys the option that he will return to his native homeland, Cyprus.

Michalis Sifakis was no more than a goalkeeping backup for Antonis Nikopolidis, but his limited starts still allowed him enough time to display his potential. When it was time for Olympiacos to renew the loan contract with OFI Crete FC, the asking price set by the Cretan club was far too high for Olympiacos. Sifakis’ next move is unknown as many clubs who were once interested have know withdrawn their interest; leaving Sifakis’ future very much in the unknown.

Tomislav Butina was the next to be cut from the Greek Champions, as his contract seemed to hefty to renew. The Croatian goalkeeper was rumored to leave the club before his contract was terminated as a move to Dinamo Zagreb proved inevitable.

Although only three cuts have been made by Olympiacos management, it seems that two starters might be on the way out of Piraeus. Those players are none other then Lomana Lua Lua and Julio Cezar. It comes as a shock to many that Lua Lua could be leaving Olympiacos, but after disputes with Olympiacos interim manager Jose Segoura, the Congolese international was told to look for a club who wanted his services. His future with the club remained uncertain after club officials downplayed a LuaLua exit; however, Lua Lua was left out of the training trip to Austria. Further confusing fans, and blurring the Lua Lua stay in Greece.

Julio Cezar also appears to be headed out of Piraeus after mediocre performances in key matches, and the Olympiacos interest in Greek defender Avraam Papadopoulos from Aris FC. Like Lua Lua’s case, it is unknown what will happen with the Brazilian. The only thing that is obvious is if Olympiacos signs Avraam Papadopoulos, Julio Cezar will be leaving Piraeus.