Kostas Tsimikas has agreed that he may need to leave Liverpool after holding talks with Arne Slot, TBR Football can exclusively reveal.
Since joining Liverpool from Olympiacos in 2020, Kostas Tsimikas has gone on to make 115 appearances, predominantly under Jurgen Klopp.
Tsimikas played 29 times for Arne Slot last term, but only 18 of those run-outs were in the Premier League – highlighting that the Greek international has already been short of chances somewhat.
Now with Milos Kerkez joining Liverpool, 29-year-old Tsimikas effectively finds himself as third-choice at Anfield.
Andy Robertson was linked with Atletico Madrid earlier in the summer, but it now seems as if the Scot will be staying for the season.
Exclusive: Kostas Tsimikas agrees he needs to leave Liverpool
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Tsimikas has held talks with Slot about his future in recent weeks.
Tsimikas has been told that he’s going to get limited minutes and game time this season, essentially acting as the club’s third-choice left-back as explained.
Kostas Tsimikas during Liverpool pre-season.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
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Liverpool aren’t forcing Tsimikas out, but they have confirmed that they believe the best scenario is for the defender to move on – and the Greek international is in agreement.
These conversations only happened after it emerged that Robertson would be staying at Anfield to compete with Kerkez this season.
In terms of Tsimikas, a host of clubs have asked about his availability during the off-season.
However, Tsimikas is on good money at Liverpool, which could be an issue for those interested.
Nottingham Forest are keeping tabs on Kostas Tsimikas’ situation
Through their Olympiacos connections, Nottingham Forest know all about Tsimikas and Evangelos Marinakis’ side are keeping tabs on the situation.
Earlier in the summer, the likes of Leeds, Fulham, Sunderland and West Ham United all showed interest in the left-back.
And in addition, there is also admiration from Germany and Spain too.
Providing further insight, Bailey explained: “The process is now in place for Tsimikas to leave Liverpool. It was not always 100% that he would go, as there was the possibility that Robertson could leave, but now he is staying and so the decision has been made for him to move on.
“It has all been handled in a very respectful manner, he is a hugely popular member of the squad and if it happened that he stayed, there would be no issues at all – but both the club and the player see it as the right time.”
As mentioned, Tsimikas is very well-regarded at Anfield, hence why teammate Alisson Becker called him a ‘fantastic’ player and person when speaking back in 2023.
Speaking to Premier League Productions, Alisson said: “He’s a lovely guy. I think he brings so much joy to our team every day here. It’s a pleasure for me to work together here with him.
“Not talking about his qualities as a player, he is a fantastic player as well; top skills, but as a person [he’s] even better.”
And if Tsimikas does leave Liverpool this summer, then his next club will be making an excellent addition.