Done Deal: Hull City Set to Seal Midweek Signing of Olympiacos' Star Goalkeeper

Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirovic confirms an imminent agreement with Olympiacos for the transfer of star goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis. 

Speaking in an interview with BBC Humberside Sport, Jakirovic was quick to apprise the press about Hull City's approach for Olympiacos goalie Konstantinos Tzolakis. The manager said that the Greek international will join the newly promoted Premier League outfit next week, "probably Tuesday or Wednesday."

Jakirovic revealed that he talked with Tzolakis, and he was "really happy" with the upcoming transfer to the MKM Stadium after spending his entire career in Greece till now, mostly with Olympiacos. 

Greek journalist Kostas Lianos reported that the Red and Whites are set to receive a total package of 20 million euros from the sale. They will get the majority of that amount upfront, and a small percentage in bonuses, subject to the player achieving certain thresholds with his new club. 

Jakirovic stated that the signing is "95%" completed, and if Tzolakis passes his medicals and other bureaucratic proceedings swiftly, he will be unveiled as a new Hull City player soon. The Tigers reportedly beat Premier League counterparts Aston Villa, Coventry City, Leeds United and Brighton in the race to sign the goalkeeper. The English top-flight newcomers also had to overcome competition from Atalanta, Juventus, Fiorentina, Napoli, AS Roma, Bayer Leverkusen, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray to confirm his signing. 

It seems to be that the 23-year-old played an influential role behind the scenes to hand Hull City the advantage over the other suitors. A product of Olympiacos' youth academy, Konstantinos Tzolakis was promoted to the senior team in 2019. He worked his way from a third-choice keeper in the pecking order when he began to being Thrylos' undisputed starter in between the sticks in recent years. 

The Chania-born shot stopper emerged as the hero in Olympiacos' dream UEFA Europa Conference League triumph in 2024. He saved three penalties in a 3-2 penalty shootout victory over Fenerbahce in the semi-finals after the match finished 3-3 on aggregate. He also made crucial saves against Fiorentina in the tournament's final, enabling his club to lift the trophy by a 1-0 margin. 

Meanwhile, Olympiacos have shortlisted Stefan Ortega, Jose Sa and Orlando Gill as part of their program to replace the outgoing Tzolakis. They are still waiting to assess the best possible option, but a transfer for Ortega is seen as the most probable one since he is owned by sister club Nottingham Forest.