The Greek star impressed in Germany last season, and the Canaries’ record signing looks set to leave this summer
The forward had been on loan with the 2. Bundesliga club for the 23/24 season, as they just missed out on promotion to the German top flight, with a permanent deal included in the agreement.
That agreement is alleged to have been fulfilled this week, with the 22-year-old ending his three-year affiliation with the Canaries, having played only 30 games for the Norfolk club.
He joined the club for a reported club-record cost in August 2021, but the transfer hasn’t worked out for the East Anglian club, which stands to lose more than £5 million with his cut-price sale.
After scoring just one league goal during his stay at Carrow Road, City were pleased to release Tzolis for the previous season, before the Greek star improved his fortunes with a move to Germany.
His 22 goals in 30 league games saw him recapture the form that earned him that high-profile move to England in the first place, as he propelled his temporary club into the push for promotion in Germany’s second division.
Dusseldorf failed to get promoted after losing on penalties to VFL Bochum in the playoffs on Monday, and the price tag for Tzolis lowered from £4.25 million to £3 million, as per the original deal with City last summer.
Tzolis was not optimistic about his chances of returning to the German club the following season, telling ESPN: “I am really, really upset.
“I intended to stay with Fortuna, but I believe it will be difficult for me to remain in the second division.
“Fortuna will always hold a special place in my heart as one of my favourite clubs. The fans deserve better, and I believe Fortuna will play in the Bundesliga next season.”
The club apparently felt the same way about their successful loan striker, as they moved quickly to sign him to a permanent contract.
Last season, no one scored more league goals than Tzolis, who had 22 goals to match Hamburg’s Robert Glatzel and Hertha Berlin’s Haris Tabakovic, while he also assisted six times.
The agreement to sign Tzolis may not end the transfer movement for the Greek star this summer, with rumours that Fortuna may immediately cash in on their star striker, with interest from top German clubs.
Reports from the country earlier this year stated that with the option-to-buy in place, the second tier side may make the most of that option, before selling him on for a much higher fee to a club in the top flight.
Werder Bremen, Union Berlin and Borussia Monchengladbach are all said to be interested in the striker, and could be set to pounce on the top talent ahead to the next campaign.
Fortuna’s athletic director, Klaus Allofs, stated earlier this year: “If you look at the issue objectively, we don’t have the money. We will keep our eyes open and are already in talks with Christos and his counsel to find a solution.”
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Tzolis, but one thing is certain: he will not be playing in the EFL next season, as he appears to be heading elsewhere.
Leave a Reply