Olympiacos Secures Yusuf Yazici on a Three-Year Deal
In a whirlwind 48 hours that exemplifies modern football’s transfer rollercoaster, Olympiacos have pulled off a significant deal, announcing the signing of Turkish international attacking midfielder Yusuf Yazici on a three-year contract. The move comes as a direct and swift response to the collapse of their pursuit of Algerian winger Adam Ounas, showcasing the club proactive and ambitious strategy in the summer market.
Yazici, 27 arrives in Piraeus as a free agent after his contract with French Ligue 1 side Lille OSC officially expired. This acquisition is being hailed not as a simple plan B, but as a potential upgrade, bringing a proven winner with valuable European experience to the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium.
From Plan B to Priority: The Transfer Timeline Unpacked
The story of this transfer is a tale of two targets for weeks, Olympiacos had been heavily linked with a move for Napoli Adam Ounas. The Algerian winger seemed a natural fit for the creative void the club aimed to fill. However, as negotiations reportedly stalled over terms or a transfer fee, the club’s hierarchy led by sporting director Pedro Alves demonstrated decisive action.
With the Ounas deal fading, Olympiacos immediately pivoted to Yusuf Yazici whose availability on a free transfer made him an incredibly attractive proposition. The speed of the negotiation finalizing a three-year deal within a matter of days highlights the club prepared and efficient approach turning a potential setback into a resounding success.
Player Profile: Who is Yusuf Yazici?
Yusuf Yazici is far more than just a replacement he is a statement signing in his own right. The Trabzonspor academy product burst onto the European scene with his move to Lille in 2019 for a fee of €16.5 million, signaling his high potential.
Key Attributes and Playing Style:
Yazici is a left-footed attacking midfielder renowned for his technical prowess and intelligence on the pitch. His primary characteristics include:
Positional Versatility: While his natural role is as a central attacking midfielder (CAM), he is equally comfortable operating on the right wing cutting inside onto his stronger left foot to create and shoot. This flexibility will be invaluable for manager Diego Martínez.
Dead-Ball Specialist: One of Yazici most celebrated skills is his expertise from set-pieces. He possesses a lethal combination of power and curl on his free-kicks and is a consistent delivery threat from corners.
Clinical Finishing: Perhaps his most outstanding trait is his ability to score from midfield. He has a powerful, accurate shot from distance and is a composed finisher in one-on-one situations. His most memorable performance was a stunning hat-trick against AC Milan in the 2020-21 Europa League, a testament to his capability on the biggest stages.
Creative Vision: He has an eye for a defense-splitting pass and excels at linking midfield with attack providing the key assists that unlock stubborn defenses.
Career Highlights and Pedigree:
Ligue 1 Champion: Key member of the Lille squad that sensationally won the 2020-21 French title ahead of PSG.
Europa League Hat-Trick: Scored a perfect hat-trick (left foot, right foot, header) against AC Milan in the Europa League announcing himself to a global audience.
Turkish International: Earned over 50 caps for the Turkish national team, representing them at UEFA Euro 2020.
Tactical Analysis: How Yazici Fits into Diego Martínez System
The signing of Yusuf Yazici is a tactical masterstroke for manager Diego Martínez. The Spanish coach prefers an organized, high-pressing, and possession-based system that requires intelligent technical players.
Yazici fits this mold perfectly, He can slot into the number 10 role behind the main striker acting as the primary creative outlet. His presence allows him to form partnerships with the likes of Ayoub El Kaabi and Stevan Jovetić providing them with the service they thrive on.
Alternatively, his ability to play on the right wing offers Martínez a different option, creating an inverted winger dynamic that can overload central areas and create scoring opportunities. His work rate and understanding of defensive positioning also mean he won’t be a liability in Martínez demanding system.
Olympiacos Ambition: A Statement of Intent
This transfer is more than just a new player; it’s a signal to the rest of Greek and European football.
Domestic Dominance: In the Greek Super League, where teams often employ a low defensive block against them, Yazici creativity and set-piece quality are priceless assets for breaking down stubborn defenses.
European Aspirations: For their UEFA Conference League (or Europa League) campaign, Yazici brings invaluable experience. He has played and scored in both the Champions League and Europa League, a pedigree that very few in the Greek league can match.
Financial Savvy: Securing a player of Yazici quality on a free transfer is exceptional business. It represents a low-risk high-reward move that allows the club to invest its resources in other areas of the squad.
Fan Reaction and Expectations
The Olympiacos fanbase, known for its passion and high expectations has largely greeted this signing with excitement. While some were initially disappointed about missing out on Ounas the profile and pedigree of Yazici have quickly turned that disappointment into anticipation. Fans are eager to see his set-piece expertise and eye for goal on display at a packed Karaiskakis Stadium.
Conclusion: A New Hero for Piraeus?
Olympiacos swift and decisive action in the transfer market has been impressive, In Yusuf Yazici they haven’t just found an alternative they may have secured a superior and more proven talent who addresses their creative needs perfectly.
His winning mentality, big-game experience and multifaceted skill set make him a potential catalyst for success both domestically and in Europe. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on the Turkish magician to see if he can weave his spell in Greece and become a new hero for the fans of the Thrylos.
FAQ Section (Targeting “People Also Ask” Boxes)
Q1: How much did Olympiacos pay for Yusuf Yazici?
A: Olympiacos signed Yusuf Yazici on a free transfer his contract with Lille OSC expired in June 2024, meaning no transfer fee was involved. The club will have paid a signing-on fee and committed to his salary.
Q2: What position does Yusuf Yazici play?
A: Yusuf Yazici is primarily an attacking midfielder (a No. 10) but is also very effective playing on the right wing, where he can cut inside onto his stronger left foot.
Q3: Why did Yusuf Yazici leave Lille?
A: Yazici contract with Lille reached its natural expiration date. He spent five years at the club, and both parties agreed a new deal wasn’t the right step, allowing him to seek a new challenge as a free agent.
Q4: How many goals did Yusuf Yazici score for Lille?
A: During his time at Lille Yusuf Yazici scored over 20 goals and provided numerous assists. His most famous contribution was a hat-trick against AC Milan in the Europa League.