Former Manchester United striker and ex-England international Teddy Sheringham has called for Manchester United to sign Brighton & Hove Albion’s teenage forward Charalampos Kostoulas in the January transfer window to address what he sees as the club’s attacking problems.
Sheringham identifies Kostoulas as January target
Sheringham has picked out Brighton’s young forward Kostoulas as the player he wants Manchester United to bring in during the January window. Speaking to Metro, Sheringham said: "There’s one player I’d like to see Manchester United go and sign in January and it’s the young Greek centre-forward at Brighton, Charalampos Kostoulas."
Sheringham has been impressed by the rapid rise of Kostoulas at Brighton & Hove Albion and is convinced that the Greek forward is the right profile of player for a Manchester United side that has struggled for consistency in the final third. He believes Kostoulas has the physical stature and mental fortitude to lead the line for a club of Manchester United’s size despite his age.
Describing Kostoulas, Sheringham said: "What a player he is. I love him. I love the way he plays. He’s got energy, he knows his position, and he’s still a young man as well. He knows how to retain possession, and he definitely knows where the net is."
Brighton starlet’s impact and expected value
Kostoulas is described as a Greek forward and teenage sensation since moving to Brighton & Hove Albion. He cost Brighton & Hove Albion £30m when he arrived from Olympiakos in the summer of 2025. He has five goal contributions in 10 league appearances for Brighton & Hove Albion and has already scored against Arsenal this term.
With Kostoulas described as a key component, Brighton & Hove Albion currently sit second in the Premier League table. Looking ahead to the transfer market, Sheringham said during his interview: "I think he’ll be the next centre-forward to go for big money."
Assessing the youngster’s attributes, Sheringham concluded: "I know he’s only a young lad but he’s just got that stature about him, and he’s full of confidence. [...] He’s playing with confidence right now and at the moment he looks fantastic."
Manchester United’s attacking crisis and manager uncertainty
Sheringham believes Manchester United are experiencing an attacking crisis and that Kostoulas is the player required to transform the team’s fortunes. Manchester United are in the bottom half of the table in 18th place after a dismal start to the season and have gone eight Premier League games without a win.
Manchester United’s most recent Premier League result was a 4-4 draw against Aston Villa. The future of Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is described as hanging by a thread, while Mauricio Pochettino, Eddie Howe and Antonio Conte are all being linked with a potential managerial vacancy at the club.
There is a scheduled upcoming Manchester United match against Liverpool on 22 November, and regardless of who manages Manchester United for that game, the club’s need for a reliable goalscorer remains a priority.
Sheringham warns Arsenal could hijack any deal
Sheringham has suggested that Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side could hijack any potential deal for Kostoulas if Manchester United hesitate. He said he would be surprised if Arsenal do not try to sign Kostoulas before Manchester United have a chance.
During his interview, Sheringham added: "I’d be surprised if Arsenal don’t go for him before United have a chance so United need to get him in quickly. For me, he’s the next big prospect coming through in world football, and you’ve got to get him in to lead the line."
Sheringham believes Manchester United need to sign Kostoulas quickly and that he is the next big prospect coming through in world football who should lead their line.
