Brentford confirmed on their club website on Thursday night that Greek international striker Nikos Karelis has completed a move to the club, putting pen to paper on a one-year contract, with the option of a further year included.
In the late stages of the summer transfer window, Brentford were determined to further bolster their attacking ranks. Charlton Athletic’s Lyle Taylor was heavily linked with a move to the Bees, but the deadline passed and Thomas Frank was unable to add another striker.
Now, Frank has got his man, adding free agent striker Nikos Karelis to his side. Karelis was a free agent and has signed on an initial one-year deal with the club, with the option of a further year available.
Speaking upon the confirmation of the deal, Brentford boss Frank said:
“Nikos is a player that will reinforce our options in attacking areas. We were looking for an extra player before the transfer deadline earlier this month and now we have a very good addition.
“Nikos hasn’t played as much football as he would have liked in the past two or three years, and that is one of the reasons we were able to get a player of his calibre into the Club.
“Earlier in his career he showed everyone what he was capable of, but injuries have held him back a bit. He is fit now and while he may take a while to be 100 per cent ready to start in the Championship, I know he will have an impact.
“He is a striker that suits the way we want to play. He can link with the midfield and makes intelligent runs on and off the ball to help the attack. He is also very good out of possession and will help our pressing game. I look forward to welcoming him to the squad.”
Over the course of his career, Karelis has played in Greece, Russia and Belgium, featuring for Ergotelis, Amkar Perm, Panathinaikos, KRC Genk and PAOK (loan). He has scored 73 goals and provided 25 assists over the course of his career and he will be hoping to add to that total with Brentford this season.
