Arrival in Athens

Balsa Popović landed at Athens International Airport on the afternoon of 27 June 2026, shortly before 16:00 local time. Club representatives and journalists were present to meet the 26-year-old Montenegrin goalkeeper as he took his first steps as an Olympiacos player. The transfer, which had already been agreed between the two clubs, now enters its formal stages with a medical and contract signing pending.

The financial terms

Olympiacos will pay approximately €1.5 million to Red Star Belgrade for Popović, with the Serbian side retaining a 15% sell-on clause. The fee secures a goalkeeper who spent the previous season on loan at OFK Belgrade, where he made 34 appearances and was named the Serbian league's best goalkeeper.

“I couldn't say no to Olympiacos. I really wanted to come here. I dream that we will win the double and of course play in the Champions League.”

Role in the squad

Standing at 1.94 metres, Popović arrives as the intended backup to first-choice goalkeeper Konstantis Tzolakis. The move completes Olympiacos' goalkeeper trio for the new season, with Dimitris Stournaras occupying the third spot. Popović will join the team's pre-season training camp in the Netherlands immediately.

Player profile

A four-cap Montenegro international, Popović described the timing as ideal after what he called a perfect year domestically. He expressed eagerness to play in front of the Olympiacos supporters, calling the Piraeus club a European giant. The transfer ends his association with Red Star, where he had limited first-team opportunities before impressing on loan.