Liverpool FC added left-back Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth this summer, and the ripple effects have already been felt. Long-time starter Andy Robertson explored a move away to Atletico Madrid, but ultimately decided to stay, pushing him into the primary backup role at the position.
That has further pushed Kostas Tsimikas down the pecking order, and he has been left out of the squad for the Community Shield and the season opener against Bournemouth.
According to The Athletic‘s James Pearce, Tsimikas “is expected to leave before the end of the window” and “wants to join a club who can offer European football and is more likely to move abroad rather than remain in the Premier League.”
It is said that Liverpool would prefer a permanent deal, but with the transfer window coming towards its end, rumours of loan deals are also starting to appear.
Greek journalist Yannis Chorianopoulos, writing for Sportime says that “until a few days ago, Tsimikas had no plans to return to Greece,” but this should now “not be ruled out.”
The club in question is Tsimikas’ former club, Olympiacos, who will play in the Champions League this season. Although they are “not in pole position, what seemed almost unlikely is now a possibility,” Chorianopoulos added. Rumour has it that Liverpool are seeking about £15m for Tsimikas this year, if he were to leave permanently.
For what it’s worth, Kostas has spoken about the prospect of leaving in search of more game time earlier this summer:
“For me, the 27-29 games I play every year in all competitions are more than playing 40 for another team and in another league.”
“Here I am on the Broadway of football.”
“I’m happy here, for five years I’ve always been happy with these players I had by my side and with the jersey I wore.”
“It’s very difficult to reach such a level, to play in 27 games in a season with a Liverpool shirt.”
“If you think about it, not all players play 50 games, some play 50, others 10, others play five. I think 27 games I played on average over the last four years is a good number.”
“I would definitely like to play more, but from then on in this league, with this team I was always happy and I always gave my best, so I was OK with the games I played.”
It is clear that if he does leave, the Greek Scouser will do so reluctantly.