Why Olympiacos Are Turning Back To Jose Sa

Olympiacos’ response to Konstantinos Tzolakis’s expected departure is beginning to take shape and is increasingly centred on a goalkeeper the club already knows intimately.

SPORT24 reports that Olympiacos contacted José Sá and his representative, Jorge Mendes, on Friday evening to discuss a possible return to Piraeus. The report does not claim that personal terms have been settled or that Wolverhampton Wanderers have accepted an offer. But direct contact marks a meaningful transition: Sá is no longer simply an attractive theoretical option. Olympiacos have started exploring whether the reunion can actually be completed. 

The attraction is straightforward. Replacing Tzolakis is not only a matter of finding a capable shot-stopper. Olympiacos are approaching Champions League qualifiers against NEC Nijmegen, meaning the new goalkeeper may have little time to learn José Luis Mendilibar’s defensive structure, understand his centre-backs or adjust to the pressure surrounding the position.

Sá would remove much of that uncertainty.

He has already played 122 matches for Olympiacos, winning two league championships and a Greek Cup before joining Wolves in 2021. His experience of Karaiskakis, European qualifiers and the expectations of a title-chasing club would make him a comparatively low-risk transition option. 

There is also a strategic contrast with Balša Popović. SPORT24 reports that Olympiacos believe the 26-year-old Montenegrin possesses the talent to become the club’s long-term starting goalkeeper, but do not want to force him immediately into the pressure created by Tzolakis’s departure and the upcoming European matches. Sá could therefore operate as both a first-choice solution and a developmental buffer, allowing Popović’s integration to occur more gradually. 

The complications are likely to be financial and contractual. Sá remains contracted to Wolves, so Olympiacos would need to reach terms not only with the player but also with the English club. His salary may also require either a reduction, a negotiated settlement or a creative transfer structure.

That is why the wording matters. Contact has reportedly occurred, but contact is not an agreement. There is no verified transfer fee, contract length, salary package or confirmation that Sá has made Olympiacos his preferred destination.

Still, Olympiacos’ apparent decision to speak directly with Sá and Mendes reveals the club’s priorities. With European qualifiers fast papproaching, they are valuing familiarity, experience and immediate readiness over a more speculative goalkeeper project.

The next meaningful development would be evidence of personal terms, permission to negotiate from Wolves, or a club-to-club offer. Until then, Sá should be regarded as the leading active candidate—but not yet the next Olympiacos goalkeeper.