In the summer of 2021, Norwich City signed young Greek winger Christos Tzolis from PAOK. The diminutive wide man had scored 15 goals and provided six assists in 46 games during the 2020/2021 campaign for the side from Thessalonica. Despite his strong credentials, he struggled to find his footing in England. After just two goals and two assists in 17 games for the Canaries, he spent the 2022/2023 season on loan at Dutch side FC Twente. His loan there was cut short after just 15 games, with three goals scored.
At that point, his future was uncertain. Norwich accepted an offer from 2. Bundesliga side Fortuna Düsseldorf and Tzolis was on his way to Germany. This move would kick start his career again. After a blistering 24 goals in 37 games, the side missed out on promotion in dramatic fashion during the play-offs. The club had a decision to make that summer, as they had negotiated a purchase option of around €5m with Norwich. The only question Fortuna had was whether or not someone would exceed that in signing Tzolis from them, as they were certain he would not be with the club again the following season. Fortuna decided to gamble, and Club Brugge made their move.
Fast forward a number of months, and both clubs will be satisfied with their decision. Fortuna were able to reinvest in the squad in an attempt to battle for promotion, while for Club Brugge, Tzolis has to be considered one of the signings of the season league wide. Across European and domestic football he has provided the side with 17 goals and 11 assists. His two goals and an assist at the weekend against Gent helped fire the side to the top of the table. Club now have their destiny in their own hands and will be confident of picking up title number 20 in their history.
Tzolis performances have not gone unnoticed outside of Belgium either. AC Milan are said to be considering making a move, with figures in the region of €25m being reported. At just 23-years-old, Tzolis has a bright future ahead of him. Norwich fans will be wondering why the club were not able to get the best out of him during his spell at Carrow Road. Club fans will be hoping he sticks around for another season. If they are to win title number 20, Tzolis will certainly have a big role to play before the end of the campaign.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
