Tiknizyan Set to Become Third Armenian at Olympiacos: What Happened to His Predecessors?

Armenia national team defender Nair Tiknizyan is close to joining Olympiacos from Red Star Belgrade. If the transfer goes through, the 27-year-old will become the third Armenian footballer in the history of the Greek giants.

Previously, Zhora Hovhannisyan and Gevorg Ghazaryan played for the Piraeus-based club, but neither managed to establish himself at Olympiacos. Between them, the two Armenian players made just eight appearances for the first team.

Zhora Hovhannisyan: Three Years at the Club and Seven Minutes for the First Team

The son of legendary Khoren Hovhannisyan, Zhora Hovhannisyan, joined Olympiacos in 2004 at the age of 17 after a successful season with Pyunik.

The midfielder remained on the books of the Greek club until 2007 but played only seven minutes in a Greek Cup match for the first team. Hovhannisyan spent most of his time away on loan.

His career later continued outside Greece, and he eventually retired after playing in Uzbekistan.

Olympiacos Move Helped Ghazaryan Stay in European Football

The transfer of Gevorg Ghazaryan appeared much more promising. The Armenian midfielder joined Olympiacos hoping to become an important player for the Greek giants.

However, in six months Ghazaryan made only seven appearances and provided two assists. He then asked to be sent out on loan and later continued his career in Portugal.

His move to Greece was facilitated by renowned agent Mino Raiola, who at the time also represented Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Although Ghazaryan failed to establish himself at Olympiacos, the move to the Greek club allowed him to remain in European football and later enjoy several impressive seasons in Portugal.

Now It Is Tiknizyan’s Turn

Nair Tiknizyan could become the third Armenian player in Olympiacos history.

According to available information, negotiations between the Greek club and Red Star Belgrade are in their final stages. The deal could be worth €5 million plus another €2 million in bonuses.

Tiknizyan is expected to be offered a 4+1 contract, while his salary in Piraeus could be around €1.1 million per year.

The previous Armenian players were unable to leave a significant mark at Olympiacos. Tiknizyan now has the chance to change that history.