A left-back is certain to be on Leeds United’s wishlist for the summer transfer window, with only one specialist at the club in the shape of Junior Firpo.
Sam Byram and Isaac Schmidt have also operated at left-back at times in their careers, but the out-of-contract Firpo is the only left-footed full-back at the club. It makes it a priority this summer for Leeds United.
Konstantinos Tsimikas is a natural left-back and somewhat out of favour with Liverpool. Caoimhin Kelleher is a player Leeds are targeting alongside Tsimikas, but the Liverpool pair could cost Leeds £40 million.
They will be weighing up a number of players but the Greek international is seemingly someone Leeds have in mind as potential Premier League experience to add to this young squad, especially with Firpo’s future at Elland Road in doubt.
Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images
Man City join the race for Milos Kerkez — Kostas Tsimikas to Leeds on hold?
Some Leeds fans believe Tsimikas is a smart signing, other Leeds supporters were unimpressed with Tsimikas against Brighton in a 3-2 defeat on Monday night.
Tsimikas’ wages could be an issue, especially as he is now 29 as of last week. He is the understudy to Andy Robertson, but a Liverpool move for Milos Kerkez could open the door to Tsimikas’ exit.
Should they sign a left-back like that, Tsimikas would become third-choice in the left-sided full-back role, meaning an exit would be a near-certainty this summer. However, there has been a twist which could throw a spanner in the works.
There is no guarantee that Tsimikas is the top priority at left-back for Leeds, but that may be immaterial after the latest update. The Greek defender’s availability could all hinge on securing Kerkez from AFC Bournemouth.
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The latest from Mark Douglas is that Man City are now in the race to secure the Hungarian’s services for £45 million, meaning Liverpool could miss out on their first-choice target at left-back.
The knock-on effect will be Leeds needing to look elsewhere at left-back. The irony is that Leeds were even linked with Kerkez before his move to The Vitality Stadium.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Is Tsimikas even the right sort of profile for Leeds at left-back?
A vital feature of Leeds’ game this season has been operating with a pair of very attack-minded full-backs. It has been a source of goals and creativity for Daniel Farke but Tsimikas could be a waste of resources for this reason.
With the Premier League in mind, Leeds need to determine what is the best way to profile and utilise their full-backs. Two who can attack and put balls into the box is great when dominating the ball, but Leeds will see a lower share of possession next term.
They must therefore evolve and adapt as a team. That means finding creativity elsewhere but also freeing up Jayden Bogle to be the best version of himself by bombing forwards to join the attack.
Tsimikas is more of an attacking left-back and Leeds really need a starting player who is more defensive-minded or more of an all-rounder. Having two attacking players starting would be detrimental defensively in most games at the top level.
Therefore, should Tsimikas be a priority? Arguably not. Perhaps Leeds should look to acquire a taller, more physically imposing, and strong defensive player. That would give the team more balance with and without the ball in the Premier League.