Tiknizyan close to Olympiacos move: €5+2m transfer fee and €1.1m annual salary

Red Star Belgrade and Armenia national team defender Nair Tiknizyan is close to joining Greek side Olympiacos. Negotiations between the clubs are in the final stages.

According to journalist Ivan Karpov, the sides are finalizing a deal worth €5 million plus a further €2 million in bonuses. The Greek club is ready to offer the 26-year-old a 4+1 contract. Tiknizyan is expected to earn around €1.1 million per year in Piraeus.

Greek sources and Russian insiders had previously reported that the defender was close to a move. Mash had also earlier confirmed Olympiacos’ interest in the player.

Until recently, the chances of a transfer were considerably lower. Red Star did not want to part ways with Tiknizyan before the end of Champions League qualifying and were counting on him in their bid to reach the competition’s main stage. The situation changed after the Belgrade club were eliminated.

According to Sportal Srbija, the Serbian club initially wanted around €6 million for the defender, while the Greek side’s offer was approximately €1 million lower. Judging by the latest reports, the two clubs have moved closer to a compromise thanks to the bonus structure of the deal.

Tiknizyan’s successful season in Serbia

The move to Serbia proved to be an important step in Tiknizyan’s career. The defender made 47 appearances during the season — a personal record — and was also recognized as one of the best players in the league in his position.

With Red Star, Nair won the Serbian league title and Serbian Cup for the first time in his career. He also gained valuable European experience, featuring in the Europa League against Porto, Braga, Lille and Celta Vigo.

His strong performances in Belgrade attracted further interest from European clubs. The only thing missing from an otherwise highly successful season was reaching the main stage of the Champions League with Red Star.

The defender’s career could now continue at one of Greece’s most decorated clubs. Olympiacos have secured a place in the league phase of the Europa League, meaning Tiknizyan would once again have the opportunity to play regularly in European competition if the deal is completed.

The transfer has not yet been officially announced, but according to the latest information, the deal is close to completion.

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