Christos Tzolis’ future is one of the key Norwich City talking points this summer after another outstanding individual display for Fortuna Dusseldorf. 

The Greek winger has rediscovered his form and sparkled in Bundesliga Two, winning the golden boot with 22 league goals.

Fortuna are hoping to earn promotion to the top-flight via the play-offs, and have one foot in the Bundesliga with a 3-0 victory away to Bochum on Thursday night. 

Tzolis had a hand in all three of the goals, first seeing his corner hit the post before bouncing off Bochum defender Phillip Hofmann and into the net. Then a defence-splitting pass teed up Felix Kraus to double their advantage before his free kick was palmed into the path of Yannick Engelhardt for 3-0. 

Fortuna have an option to buy Tzolis permanently come the summer, but may struggle to cough up the money required to make it a reality. 

Tzolis is expected to have suitors from the Bundesliga irrespective of the outcome of Fortuna’s play-off, with Werder Bremen, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Union Berlin all linked in Germany. 

Fortuna boss Daniel Thioune has admitted he would love to keep Tzolis, whilst acknowledging the financial difficulties that would entail. 

"To hold Christos? This is difficult on the pitch and that is also difficult for us off it. At one time, he went to England with a certain transfer volume. I would be happy if it works out.

"The boy is outstanding. He earned more than the second league," Thioune told Sky Germany: "I would also put a euro on it so that we can keep him.”

Dusseldorf sporting director Klaus Allofs was much more pessimistic in his assessment of Tzolis' future, however.

"Our general conditions do not allow this. We negotiated a purchase option with the knowledge that it is actually an impossible undertaking for us in the current economic situation," Allofs said to Sky. 

"But we don't know what options there are if we really do get promoted. I haven't completely given up hope yet."

Should City sporting director Ben Knapper try and convince Tzolis to stay, the groundwork will have to begin shortly, with the Greek winger previously expressing his desire to depart Carrow Road. 

The interest in the 22-year-old may also be seen as an opportunity to help raise funds ahead of a busy summer - with Adam Idah also wanted permanently by Celtic. 

Tzolis has only made six starts for City since his big-money move from PAOK in 2021. He has failed to contend with the pressure of the price tag, and Daniel Farke, Dean Smith, and David Wagner all opted to leave him out of their sides at various stages during their respective tenures. 

Tzolis will likely see this summer as an opportunity for a fresh start, but a lot hinges on Knapper’s view moving forward and whether Fortuna can afford the agreed-upon option. 

If they elect not to take it up, Norwich will be free to negotiate a higher price tag for the Greek, who is contracted at Carrow Road until 2026.