Crystal Palace made concrete attempts to sign Club Brugge’s Christos Tzolis towards the end of August.
The Belgian club rejected the Eagles’ written offer of €32m. They were hopeful his price would rise further between then and the end of this season.
Club Brugge are on track to achieve that as the winger has starred this season. He’s scored 11 goals and contributed 15 assists from 30 matches across all competitions.
Saturday’s edition of Het Nieuwsblad has a detailed interview with the 23-year-old, during which he talks about his failed move to Crystal Palace.
Club Brugge beat Rangers in a two-legged tie in August to seal a berth in the Champions League group stage. Crystal Palace’s offer hadn’t distracted the player at that time.
The newspaper specifically asked the Greece international about the Premier League side’s €32m bid.
“That interest came just before the match against Rangers, so my focus was on that,” he said.
A move would have seen the Greece international improve his current salary 2.5X. Earlier claims had reported he wanted to join the FA Cup winners.
Tempted by transfer to Crystal Palace
Het Nieuwsblad told the attacker that they were informed he was keen on a switch to Crystal Palace. When responding to that, Tzolis said Crystal Palace’s football under Oliver Glasner tempted him.
“A little bit. (thinks) I like the way Crystal Palace plays football. I considered whether it might be a good opportunity or not, but I immediately told Dévy Rigaux and the staff that I wouldn’t push,” Tzolis explained.
“It would be bad for the team if I didn’t want to train or play because I wanted to secure a transfer. That’s not how I am.”
“A month earlier, I had signed a new contract. But okay, everyone listens when there’s an offer. Although I didn’t want to go to Crystal Palace at any cost. Staying was also perfectly fine. I don’t regret anything. On the contrary, this was even the best choice.”
