Konstantinos Tzolakis is turning his €23 million move into a winning investment

Konstantinos Tzolakis moved to England for €23 million and did not take long to show how the outlay could become a valuable investment. At 23, the Greek goalkeeper is attracting attention with his national-team displays and in a Hull City shirt, where decisive saves have strengthened the sense that he is making his mark quickly. His rise has also been framed by victories over the Germans and by impressing England.

Greece finished top of its group after conceding three goals in four matches, with Tzolakis among the key contributors. He kept two clean sheets against Germany. After making five saves against them, the goalkeeper chose to credit the collective effort: «It was a team effort. We all defended for long periods, and they did not pose a great threat in the first half, as they did in the second.»

His displays for the national team have been matched by his work at Hull City. Tzolakis’s value could reach €80 million or more if he maintains this level, according to expectations that have been reported. Greece’s recent results have also been described as evidence that a promising generation is establishing itself, with Tzolakis among its leading figures, according to Marca.

The goalkeeper is also aware of the challenge posed by English football. In an interview with the BBC, he said: «When you move from the Greek league to the Premier League, the best league in the world, everything is different. First you have to fight for yourself, then develop your skills.» His Hull City transfer was completed last summer for €23 million. At the time, he became the second most expensive player to leave Olympiacos, after Kostoulas. For Sergej Jakirović, Tzolakis’s experience at Olympiacos, where he learned to handle pressure, could help him adapt to his new adventure.