FC St. Pauli are set to lose a key man: Manolis Saliakas (29) is close to completing a move to Olympiacos Piräus. The Greek side has upped their offer to €1.3–1.5 million and local outlets already report a deal is imminent. The right-back is expected to join Olympiacos’ training camp in Holland shortly.

What’s driving the move?

Saliakas spent his youth at Olympiacos, wearing their red-and-white shirt from ages 16 to 22. That early connection matters now: eight of the 25 Champions League squad spots must be filled by so-called Local Players. Saliakas ticks that UEFA box and gives Olympiacos extra roster flexibility.

Their first bid, just over €1m, was rejected by St. Pauli. The revised offer now sits in the €1.3–1.5m range and could finalize the transfer. St. Pauli face the loss of a player who logged 120 competitive games over four seasons.

Why the exit stings

Saliakas was instrumental in the 2024 Bundesliga promotion, chipping in nine goals and 13 assists. Yet his contract was expiring in a year anyway, and he missed both of the past two pre-seasons entirely. He’s also currently dealing with fitness issues, which is pushing the move forward.

St. Pauli now must scramble to shore up the backline. With zero points and zero goals this season (as of 22 July 2026), the club sits third in the 2. Bundesliga and needs solutions fast.

What happens next?

If the transfer goes through, Saliakas will continue his career in Greece. For St. Pauli, it’s another roster hit that further thins an already shallow squad. The hunt for a right-back replacement starts under intense pressure.

The next fixture is on 20 February 2027 at VfL Wolfsburg - a game that just got tougher without Saliakas.