Norwich City: Dimitris Giannoulis 2023-24 season analysed

Not because of how it ended or because of any sense of missed opportunity, but because there was a full back with real quality within that would have been an asset moving forward. 

But it became financially impossible to retain the Greek international after City failed to secure promotion back to the Premier League. His exit is best described as a regretful inevitability. 

Those sentiments are shared by the left back and even his representatives, who thoroughly enjoyed his spell at Carrow Road and will remain forever grateful for the opportunity Norwich gave him to experience English football back in 2021. 

Both parties have split on amicable terms. Had Norwich been preparing for another crack at the top-flight next season, Giannoulis would have signed a fresh deal to join the ride. But at the wages he commanded, that possibility was a non-starter after that Elland Road loss. So hands were shook, and a parting of the ways agreed. 

Some may argue that Giannoulis was unable to consistently put his best foot forward during his time in Norfolk, but the 28-year-old was technically proficient, reliable, and popular within the dressing room. 

His ability to break a press, his comfort in possession, and his game intelligence, which allowed him to know when or not to join attacking phases, are the reasons he endeared himself to the City fanbase during his spell at the club. 

Back when he was recruited from PAOK on a loan with an obligation to buy dependent on promotion, Giannoulis was seen as the missing piece of the jigsaw after injuries condemned Xavi Quintilla to the sidelines and left Swiss army knife Jacob Sorensen as the only option. 

Ask Daniel Farke, Stuart Webber, or anyone close to that team, and they will tell you that the arrival of Giannoulis was the turning point for their title triumph and elevated that side, which contained Emi Buendia, Teemu Pukki, and Oliver Skipp, to another level. 

There have been setbacks with injuries and form along the way, but Giannoulis has largely been dependable throughout his spell at Carrow Road. 

This season has been one of Giannoulis' most consistent in yellow and green—David Wagner's system did suit his skillset, and the debate surrounding whether he or Sam McCallum was the better choice quietened down throughout the season. 

Dimi Giannoulis was Norwich City's most balanced left back option. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Both Giannoulis and Stacey received the most progressive passes throughout the Championship campaign, as Wagner asked his full-backs to position themselves aggressively up the pitch. 

But there was also plenty of positive defensive work - only Stacey and Kenny McLean made more tackles in City's defensive third than Giannoulis. He also ranked fourth for tackles and interceptions combined. 

Last season, a major injury impacted his progress. This year still contained unwelcome setbacks, notably at the crunch stage of the campaign, but the fact that Giannoulis was fast-tracked back into the defence shows how highly he was rated at Carrow Road. 

There were imperfections - even Wagner admitted his tendency to lose concentration on occasion and his positioning left question marks, but there is little debate that he was City's most balanced and capable option in that position. 

Those operating ahead of him looked more secure in their own games when they were backed up by Giannoulis. Borja Sainz's better performances from the left came with the Greek international behind him. 

It is of particular regret for him personally that he wasn't able to score during his 103 games in yellow and green. That will be a nagging frustration for the rest of his days - but perhaps that is a snapshot of his character. 

Giannoulis was somewhat understated during his time at Norwich - quiet, modest and not a player desperate to constantly be in the limelight. He was committed, technically proficient and quietly admired by supporters. 

There is a sadness that his final moment in a yellow and green shirt was to be substituted off at Elland Road in front of a rapidly emptying away end. There was no proper goodbye or send-off with supporters. 

Like so many that night, it is a sore way for the chapter to end. But Giannoulis won't be shy of interest in the coming months as he hunts for a new club. That is unlikely to be another club in England. 

Injuries punctuated his progress at Norwich City. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

There has been interest from Russia throughout his time at Norwich. Prior to coming to Carrow Road, plenty of Italian clubs, including Roma, had run the rule over him with a view to potentially signing him. 

That's before the likely route of a return to Greece. Reports in his home country suggest that Panathinaikos have made contact about whether he holds any desire to sign for them. At 28, he has plenty of years ahead of him. 

But the climate and situation of Norwich now is radically different to the one he walked into. He was signed for the Premier League and on money befitting that importance, now he is just too expensive for them in their current guise. 

With a need to cut their cloth and a desire for a new era under Johannes Hoff Thorup, this was a necessary step. But that doesn't mean it wasn't regretful. Giannoulis could have played a role in what came next—but it wasn't to be.