APOEL forward Nikolas Koutsakos to join IK Start

Cypriot forward Nikolas Koutsakos is set to depart from APOEL to join the Norwegian club IK Start. The transfer follows extensive negotiations after APOEL initially rejected an opening offer of approximately 300,000 euros. The two clubs eventually reached an agreement for a fee exceeding 500,000 euros, a sum deemed significant for the Nicosia-based team's financial liquidity. Koutsakos, 22, is expected to travel to Norway shortly for medical examinations and the finalization of his contract.

This move leaves APOEL with a void in its offensive line, especially as Pieros Sotiriou remains sidelined with an injury until November. Consequently, the team’s management and Zisis Vryzas are now actively searching the market for a new striker before the start of the championship. This transaction marks the fourth sale by APOEL in eight months, contributing to a total of approximately 2.5 million euros in transfer revenue during this period. The team is currently preparing for their upcoming league premiere against AEK Larnaca on August 29.