After being linked with moves for both Kostas Tsimikas and Jamal Lewis, Liverpool opted to make the Olympiakos left-back their newest addition. The Greek international, after signing a five-year deal, will wear the number 21 shirt previously worn by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The fee of around £13 million became the deciding factor with Liverpool unwilling to pay Norwich City’s asking price for Lewis.
Liverpool Confirm Kostas Tsimikas Move
Liverpool’s Left-Back Problem Solved
Before the arrival of Tsimikas, Liverpool struggled to find an adequate replacement when resting Andy Robertson. James Milner completed a job, but Klopp knew long-term cover was needed; something Tsimikas provides. And after impressing in the Europa League this season, the new arrival could challenge Robertson to the starting place next season. Both players possess the attacking capabilities to strive in the unique fullback role at Liverpool.
Dream Come True for Tsimikas
Following the official announcement, Tsimikas told the Liverpool website: “My brother is a Liverpool fan, and he pushed me to come here and sign. (As) a kid, I supported Liverpool. For all my family and for my brother, we are very happy for this.”
Jurgen Klopp, also happy with the deal, praised Tsimikas’ mentality, stating: “He is a very good footballer with an attitude to win and to compete, and I really like his mentality. It fits perfect with the mood and the desire we have in our dressing room already.”
Ahead of the Community Shield against Arsenal, too, Klopp will be keen to hand Tsimikas his debut. The Greek full-back gave the Gunners plenty of problems when Olympiakos dumped Arsenal from the Europa League earlier this year. Klopp would have been impressed with that game, as well as many others, when searching for a left-back cover; it may have even been the game to put the Greek on the Liverpool radar.
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