Liverpool Defender Linked with Permanent Move Away from Anfield | OneFootball

Kostas Tsimikas Nearing Liverpool Exit as Arne Slot Shapes Squad

Defender Left Out of Wembley Squad

Kostas Tsimikas’ Liverpool career appears close to its conclusion after he was omitted from the squad for the Community Shield against Crystal Palace. The Greek international, who featured prominently during pre-season under Arne Slot at both left-back and centre-back, did not travel to Wembley for the traditional season curtain-raiser between the Premier League champions and FA Cup winners.

Liverpool Echo reports: “Nottingham Forest were interested in Tsimikas earlier in the summer with owner Evangelos Marinakis, a compatriot of the player, understood to be keen on his signing.” Leeds United, recently promoted to the Premier League, are also said to be monitoring developments, alongside several other domestic and overseas clubs.

Photo IMAGO

Competition on the Left Side

Tsimikas’ path to first-team football has narrowed considerably. The £40 million signing of Milos Kerkez and the continued presence of Andy Robertson mean Liverpool now possess both youth and proven experience in the left-back position. Robertson himself attracted interest from Atletico Madrid earlier in the window, though the Spanish side eventually focused on other targets.

Liverpool’s stance is clear; any move for Tsimikas must be permanent. Loan offers will not be considered, with the club seeking a clean break after almost five years of service from the Greek defender.

Sales Mark Significant Summer Transition

The potential departure of Tsimikas would be part of a broader summer reshaping at Anfield. Darwin Núñez’s £56 million move to Al-Hilal could see Liverpool’s total sales this summer exceed £200 million, providing funds for reinvestment and further squad refinement.

Under Arne Slot, Liverpool are targeting a squad that combines tactical flexibility with competition for places. The arrival of Kerkez has already injected fresh energy into the left flank, and trimming the roster ensures the manager has a balanced, competitive group for the challenges ahead.

Five-Year Anfield Spell Drawing to a Close

Since arriving from Olympiacos in 2020, Tsimikas has been a dependable squad player, producing key moments when called upon, including the decisive penalty in the 2022 FA Cup final. However, with Liverpool moving in a new direction and competition fierce, his time at the club looks set to end.

For Tsimikas, a move to Forest, Leeds or abroad could offer the regular football that has been elusive at Anfield. For Liverpool, it is another step in a summer of calculated change.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This feels like a logical if bittersweet decision. Tsimikas has been a reliable back-up and a popular figure in the dressing room, but Arne Slot’s Liverpool is being built around high-tempo, tactically versatile players who can start week in, week out. With Milos Kerkez offering a long-term option and Andy Robertson still at a high level, the Greek international’s opportunities were always going to be limited.

The fact Liverpool are insisting on a permanent sale rather than a loan tells supporters that the club are serious about streamlining the squad and generating funds. This summer’s sales have been both financially significant and strategically targeted, and while losing likeable figures can be difficult, the end goal is a stronger, sharper squad.

Tsimikas will leave with the gratitude of many Liverpool fans for his professionalism and his role in some memorable moments. But with Arne Slot already putting his stamp on the team, it feels like the right time for both player and club to part ways.