Hull City Sign Olympiacos Goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis for Record Fee

Hull City have torn up their own transfer history to secure Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis, a statement signing for a club stepping back into the Premier League spotlight.

The 23-year-old arrives from Olympiacos on a five-year deal, with the fee understood to be around £20m plus add-ons – a huge outlay for the Tigers and comfortably a new club record. It eclipses the £13m paid for Ryan Mason from Tottenham in 2016, a figure that had stood untouched for eight years.

This is not a speculative punt on potential. Tzolakis comes to England with a winning habit already ingrained. Since his senior debut in 2020, he has made 131 appearances for Olympiacos and collected eight trophies, including four Greek Super League titles and last season’s Uefa Conference League crown.

That European run did more than fill a cabinet. It hardened a young goalkeeper in high-pressure games, sharpened his reputation and pushed him onto the international stage. A month after lifting the Conference League, Tzolakis made his debut for Greece against Malta. He has since earned nine caps and established himself as one of his country’s most highly regarded young players.

Now he swaps Piraeus for the Premier League.

"I am ready for a new chapter in my career," Tzolakis said, reflecting on a spell at Olympiacos that brought domestic titles, a cup win and nights under the Champions League lights. Hull, though, offers a different kind of examination.

"Hull City is something different because we are playing in the Premier League. We have to fight against top players, so it's a challenge for me."

For a newly promoted side, that is exactly the point. Hull are not just buying a goalkeeper; they are investing in a spine, a mentality, a player used to walking into hostile arenas and playing with silverware on the line.

A record fee, a five-year contract and the unforgiving glare of the Premier League. Tzolakis asked for a new chapter. Hull have handed him one written in bold.