Hull City have finally completed their move for Konstantinos Tzolakis. The Olympiacos goalkeeper joins for a package worth around £17million, breaking the club's previous transfer record. Owner Acun Ilicali confirmed the deal personally during a press conference on Hull's pre-season tour.
Negotiations dragged on for weeks before reaching this point. Olympiacos initially held out for more than the £15million guaranteed fee, pushing hard to maximise the return on their academy graduate. Eventually, both parties settled on a structure combining guaranteed payments with additional add-ons worth roughly £2million.
Tzolakis arrives with genuine pedigree between the posts. He made 89 league appearances for Olympiacos, contributing to four league titles and two domestic cups. Crucially, he was the hero of their UEFA Conference League triumph back in 2024, producing crucial saves throughout that European run.
The 23-year-old had long expressed a desire to test himself in a major league. Sources close to the deal suggested he would have renewed his Olympiacos contract instantly had a bigger move not been on the table. Consequently, Hull's interest arrived at exactly the right moment for both player and club.
Manager Sergej Jakirovic has been optimistic throughout the process, describing the deal as effectively done well before its completion. He's expected to sign a four-year contract, giving Hull long-term security in a position that desperately needed strengthening ahead of their Premier League return.
Bailey Talks Continue as Deal Nears Completion
Attention now shifts toward Hull's other major summer target. Talks remain ongoing with Aston Villa over Leon Bailey, and momentum appears to be building steadily in the Tigers' favour. Ilicali has previously suggested the deal sits around seventy percent complete.
Villa initially preferred a permanent sale over another loan arrangement, given Bailey's contract situation. He enters the final year of his deal at Villa Park, creating obvious incentive for Unai Emery's side to cash in now. Nevertheless, structure and salary details reportedly remain unresolved.
Bailey's own preferences have shaped this pursuit significantly. The Jamaican international wants to remain in England, largely due to his settled family life. That preference has clearly worked in Hull's favour throughout negotiations, despite European interest from elsewhere.
His omission from Villa's pre-season tour spoke volumes about his standing under Emery. Given his brilliant 2023-24 season now feels distant, both parties likely benefit from a clean break this summer.
Further reporting on Bailey's situation appeared via Sky Sports News.
