October 6, 2024

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Include new signings and strengthen the approaching defense

Include new signings and strengthen the approaching defense

Olympiacos has moved forward with the signings of Martins and Navarro, and awaits the debut of Horta and Siquinho, while capping off its efforts to sign two central defenders.

On Sunday, Olympiacos achieved a very important victory over Cleanthes Fikilides, defeating the dangerous Aris 2-1. In the starting XI chosen by Carlos Carvalhal, the red and white's first two winter transfers played together for the first time since the start.

Fran Navarro played up front and Gilson Martins played on the left side of the attack. The two were crucial to the development of the match. It was the Spanish striker who opened the scoring after Rodney's cross from the left side, scoring two goals in six matches.

Navarro seems to be getting better from game to game. Carvalhal trusts him, and after January 7 and the derby with AEK, the Spanish striker did not leave the starting lineup. Against yellow cards, in addition to the goal, he also contributed inside and outside the area, often coming down the field to pull players on or help with turnovers.

With El Kaabi's return from the Africa Cup of Nations, the internal “battle” for the starting striker position at the top of the Olympiacos spearhead will be interesting.

Zelson Martins was also pivotal. The Portuguese winger played for the first time from the first minute He managed to excel in his performance. Martinez is working hard for Rendes and is showing that he wants to be an integral part of Carlos Carvalhal's plans.

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Specific movements of Horta and Sikinio

The last two red and white transfers were on the axis. Olympiacos found that out with Benfica and Tsikinho came to Greece from now on, while also acquiring Andre Horta on loan from Braga, with the agreement also including an option to buy for the summer.

These are two valuable solutions in the hands of Carlos Carvalhal. They are two footballers who not only give more depth to the Olympiacos midfield, but also improve it qualitatively in the race to win the championship. After all, the Portuguese coach has shown that he likes to play with three in midfield, so reinforcement was necessary.

Piraeus may not have decided on its reinforcements in the pivot yet, as the Red and White have reportedly made two offers for Corinthians, in the case of 20-year-old Argentine midfielder Fausto Vera. Orta and Tsikinho, who were on the bench against Aris, cannot be ruled out from making their debuts in the match against PAS Ioannina (28/1, 19:30).

Defensive reinforcements are coming

Now, in the final days of the winter transfer window, the Reds and Whites have focused their attention on strengthening the defensive position, with Piraeus proving to be 'struggling' and wanting to acquire at least two players. Of course, at the top is David Carmo's name, and the next few hours will be crucial to the development of the case.

The Portuguese considers the 24-year-old centre-back closed for Olympiacos, who, however, did not board the plane to Greece. Reports from the Iberian state indicate that the fact that no replacement has been found for Porto remains a “thorn”, with the name of Costas Manolas implicated in the case, as an anti-Carmo.

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Closes on the red and whites Gaston Hernandez. Olympiacos has long been trying to make the case for the 26-year-old Argentine centre-back, but the financial difference with San Lorenzo has been an obstacle. However, the gap was closed, with the Reds and Whites offering $3.5 million for 85%. Therefore, in the next few days, Hernandez will be in our country to finalize his transfer with all the formalities.

Recently, Tuttomercatoweb have linked Olympiacos with Gerry Mina as well, with the red and white also looking to their future, with 20-year-old Nelson Abbey coming to Greece to sign to also be at Carvalhal's disposal.

The next few hours and days will be very exciting, as Olympiacos reaches the peak of its movements and strengthens its defense in order to further protect itself in order to fight for the championship and make up lost ground.