FC St. Pauli are set to lose another key player. Greek defender Manolis Saliakas is leaving the second-division club after four years to join Olympiakos Piräus. The 29-year-old returns to his homeland, taking the chance for Champions League football, as sporting director Andreas Bornemann explained. The Hamburg side will reportedly receive around €1.5 million in transfer fees for the defender, who joined in 2022.

What exactly happened?

Saliakas had already left the pre-season training camp in Flachau after the club released him for contract talks. The Greek, who arrived at FC St. Pauli’s youth academy in 2013 at age 16, signed his first professional deal in 2022. His contract ran until 2027, but the move to Piräus prevailed. For the Hamburg side, he made 111 appearances across all competitions – 64 in the 2. Bundesliga and 47 in the Bundesliga – scoring nine goals. In the just-completed 2025/26 season, he suffered relegation with the team after two years in the top flight. Their final game ended in a 1-3 loss to VfL Wolfsburg on 16 May 2026.

The departure comes as FC St. Pauli faces a period of sporting restructuring. The Hanseatic club finished the pre-season in 18th place in the Bundesliga with 26 points from 34 matches – a goal difference of minus 31 (29 scored, 60 conceded). Their last five games were all lost (LLLLL), and they trailed league leaders Bayern München by 63 points. The new season has not yet begun.

Why the move for Saliakas?

For the 29-year-old, the transfer is a return to his roots. After leaving FC St. Pauli’s youth setup, he played for other Greek clubs before returning to Hamburg in 2022. The move to Olympiakos Piräus now offers him Champions League football – a step Bornemann called „understandable“. Saliakas has not commented publicly, but the Greek giants’ sporting ambitions could boost his career.

What does Saliakas’ exit mean for FC St. Pauli?

Losing an experienced centre-back like Saliakas is a major blow for the Kiez club. The 29-year-old was a regular in defence, playing 21 of 34 games last season. His experience in both leagues – second and top tier – made him a key figure. His departure leaves a gap the club must fill. The €1.5 million transfer fee could ease financial planning for the coming campaign.

FC St. Pauli now face the challenge of rebuilding their defence after relegation and Saliakas’ exit. The club is preparing for the new season, but the defensive question remains open. The front office must decide whether to rely on young talent or sign an experienced replacement.

FC St. Pauli remain in the 2. Bundesliga following Saliakas’ move. Pre-season preparations are underway, yet the defensive future is uncertain. The club’s hierarchy must act fast to shape the squad’s next chapter.