Oliver Glasner Pushes for Crystal Palace to Sign Christos Tzolis

 

 

Crystal Palace are facing a defining moment in their summer transfer window after the departure of star midfielder Eberechi Eze to Arsenal in a blockbuster £67.5 million deal. Manager Oliver Glasner has reportedly made his stance clear—he wants the club to move quickly for Christos Tzolis, the rejuvenated Greek winger currently playing for Club Brugge.

Glasner’s Preferred Replacement

According to The Sun, Glasner has urged chairman Steve Parish and the Palace hierarchy to prioritise the signing of Tzolis before the transfer window closes. The Austrian coach is said to be particularly impressed with Tzolis’ resurgence in Belgium after a challenging spell at Norwich City in the Premier League.

Now 23, the winger has rediscovered his spark with Club Brugge, where he has become one of the most effective wide players in the Jupiler Pro League, contributing goals, assists, and direct attacking play. Glasner believes that his pace, energy, and willingness to drive at defenders make him an ideal fit for Palace’s high-tempo system and a strong candidate to help fill the creative void left by Eze’s exit.

Eze’s Departure Leaves a Huge Gap

Replacing Eze, however, is far from straightforward. The England international was not just Palace’s creative hub but also a leader on and off the pitch. His ability to score spectacular goals, unlock defences, and carry the team in difficult moments was instrumental to Palace’s rise under Glasner. Losing him to Arsenal is a major blow, and fans will be eager to see whether the club can bring in someone capable of shouldering even part of that responsibility.

Modest Business So Far

Palace’s activity in the transfer market has been relatively restrained up to this point. The arrivals of goalkeeper Walter Benítez from PSV and left-back Borna Sosa from Ajax have added depth, but neither signing significantly boosts the club’s attacking firepower. Glasner has openly voiced his frustrations in recent weeks, insisting that a replacement for Eze should have been secured before sanctioning the player’s departure.

The Austrian tactician is keen to avoid a situation where Palace are scrambling in the final hours of the window, as rivals across the Premier League strengthen their squads for the gruelling season ahead.

A Clash of Visions?

Reports suggest that Glasner and Parish may not be entirely aligned in their transfer preferences. While the manager is strongly pushing for Tzolis, the chairman is reportedly considering alternative targets, including Yeremy Pino of Villarreal. This difference of opinion could lead Palace to explore more than one attacking option, depending on availability and price.

Urgency in the Market

The clock is ticking, with just days remaining before the transfer window shuts. For Palace, the decision carries significant weight—not only will the next signing need to contribute immediately, but they will also play a central role in shaping the club’s ambitions in both domestic and European competitions this season.

Tzolis, with his pace and renewed confidence, is seen by Glasner as a ready-made addition who could adapt quickly to life back in England. Whether the board agrees with his vision remains to be seen, but what is clear is that Crystal Palace cannot afford hesitation if they hope to build on the momentum of last season.