ROME (AP) Greece international Kostas Manolas has joined Roma on a €13 million ($17 million) transfer from Olympiakos, as coach Rudi Garcia looks to strengthen his worrisome defense before Serie A starts this weekend.
Roma said Tuesday it had signed the center back to a five-year contract.
Manolas is an immediate replacement for Morocco defender Mehdi Benatia, whom Roma sold to Bayern Munich in a deal reported at €26 million ($34 million), also on Tuesday.
Roma has conceded 11 goals in nine preseason friendlies and Garcia had recently expressed concern entering the final week of the transfer market.
Manolas is coming off a solid season with Olympiakos and also stood out for Greece at the World Cup.
The transfer fee could reach €15 million (nearly $20 million) with bonuses.
