Liverpool are reportedly the favourites to sign Greek full-back Kostas Tsimikas, who is also a target for Tottenham Hotspur, from Olympiacos.
According to a report from Greek outlet Sdna, as carried by TEAMtalk, Liverpool are leading Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Olympiacos and Greece defender Kostas Tsimikas in the summer transfer window.
Tsimikas, 23, has been on Olympiacos’ books since 2014 and made his first-team debut for the Greek giants in 2015 under former Everton manager Marco Silva. After having had loan stints at Danish outfit Esbjerg and Willem II in Netherlands, the left-back has become a first-team regular at Olympiacos since 2018.
The three-time capped Greek international has made 37 appearances this term, setting up seven goals in the process. Tsimikas hasn’t missed a single game for Olympiacos in European competitions this season and has been a solid performer for most parts, resulting in interest in the 23-year-old from Tottenham and Liverpool.
Tottenham will be needing a new left-back next summer as Danny Rose seemingly doesn’t have a future at the club and could be offloaded on a permanent basis, having been allowed to join Newcastle United in the winter transfer window.
Ben Davies has had to battle injuries this term, while Ryan Sessegnon is seen as more of an attacking option by manager Jose Mourinho, explaining the Lilywhites’ interest in Tsimikas. However, as per the aforementioned report, the North Londoners are set to face defeat in pursuit of the Greek at the hands of arch rivals Liverpool.
Liverpool have had a high-flying campaign so far and look set for their first Premier League triumph when the season resumes from suspension. However, there are a couple of areas in the squad that Jurgen Klopp would want to strengthen, first and foremost being a cover for first-choice left-back Andrew Robertson, as per the report.
The Scotsman has been brilliant for Liverpool since arriving, but following Alberto Moreno’s departure last summer, the Merseysiders lack a natural left-back in the squad to act as a backup for Robertson. And with James Milner, who has been used as a makeshift left-back, not getting any younger, the Reds are keen on Tsimikas.
Tsimikas signed a new contract with Olympiacos in January last year, extending his stay at the club till 2022. The Greek outfit value their defender at €25 million, which Liverpool are willing to meet after having extensively scouted the left-back during Olympiacos’ Europa League clashes against Arsenal and Wolves.
This is likely to come as a major blow for Mourinho and Tottenham, who will be in desperate need of a new left-back come summer. As far as Liverpool are concerned, securing a backup for Robertson would be a step in the right direction, but it remains to be seen if they are able to close the deal for Tsimikas.
