FC St. Pauli confirmed on Thursday that right‑back Manolis Saliakas has transferred to Greek side Olympiakos Piraeus – the Kiez club will receive an estimated €1.5 million fee. The 29‑year‑old, who logged 120 league appearances for the Millerntor side, returns home after becoming a father for the first time.

What exactly happened?

After a short rumor phase that suddenly accelerated in the last 24 hours, Saliakas missed training in Flachau. At 10 a.m. on Friday the official statement announced that Olympiakos Piraeus had offered roughly €1.5 million. His contract ran until summer 2027, but both parties quickly reached an agreement.

Why is the departure significant for the Kiez club?

The defender was not only a regular starter but also a face of a successful period. In the 2024/25 season he scored the first Millerntor goal in 13 years against Holstein Kiel. Though quiet off the pitch, he always showed high effort, endearing himself to the Millerntor fans. Sporting director Andreas Bornemann praised him publicly and stressed that the move makes sense because Saliakas gets the chance to play internationally for his former club.

How does FC St. Pauli currently stand?

After the 2025 season the team sits on the 18th place in the Bundesliga with 26 points, 6 wins, 8 draws and 20 losses. The goal tally reads 29 scored and 60 conceded (‑31 difference). The most recent match, on 16 May 2026, ended in a 1‑3 defeat to VfL Wolfsburg, and the latest form is two straight losses (LL).

What lies ahead for the Kiez club?

Bornemann hinted that a replacement for Saliakas could be presented soon. In manager Marcel Rapp’s system there are several right‑back prospects, but Arkadiusz Pyrka is currently the only senior option. The club will aim to fill the gap quickly to maintain defensive stability and keep the relegation battle alive.

What’s next for Saliakas?

In Piraeus Saliakas is expected to slot straight into the starting eleven, bringing his international experience to the Greek Super League. The transfer gives him a platform to shine and possibly earn another call‑up for the national team. For FC St. Pauli the challenge remains to replace the loss and continue fighting for survival in the Bundesliga.