Greek Superleague Champions Olympiakos Pireaus are reportedly interested in signing Greek Australia goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis after he parted ways with English giants Liverpool last week.
The 20 year-old shot stopper is on the hunt for a new club after mutually agreeing to a release with one year remaining on his contract, and it is reported that Olympiakos, who are searching for a new goalkeeper, could make an offer to Bouzanis as early as this week.
Bouzanis, who was once rated by former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez as “the best goalkeeper in the world for his age”, says he wants to further his career for both club and country.
With stiff competition to crack the first team including Pepe Reina and out-on-loan Australian Brad Jones, Bouzanis feels it is time to move on. “At the current stage of my career I’m really focused on being included in the Olyroos squad for the 2012 Olympics and throughout the qualification process, with my ultimate ambition being the first choice goalkeeper,” Bouzanis said.
“Given the tough competition for the spot I know that I need to start playing first team football. “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Liverpool and would like to thank the club for the opportunity that they gave me.
“I am delighted to have progressed my professional future with Liverpool and be part of a club with so much history behind it.” Since joining Liverpool in 2007 Bouzanis has played for the Liverpool Reserves and Academy and was Australia’s first choice goalkeeper at the 2009 FIFA under 20s World Cup in Egypt. He also attended the Australian team training camp in Germany in March.
A move to Olympiakos, provided he can get first team action, will no doubt help his cause for a spot in the Olyroos. Olympiakos are in dire need of a goalkeeper, following the retirement of Antonis Nikopolidis and the future of Urko Pardo uncertain, Bouzanis is one of many names linked with the goalkeeping position at the Giorgos Karaiskakis Stadium.
Rumours have also surfaced that manager Ernesto Valverde is fond of former colleague and RCD Espanyol starting shot-stopper Carlos Kameni, while Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa and Greek custodian Michalis Sifakis have also been linked with a switch to Piraeus as has former Olympiakos goalkeeper Dimitris Eleftheropoulos.
