Kostas Tsimikas Set to Leave Liverpool After Crystal Palace Omission

Kostas Tsimikas is set to leave Liverpool after missing the squad for the Crystal Palace match. Nottingham Forest had already shown interest earlier in the window.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The left-back was not in the team for Liverpool‘s Community Shield match against Crystal Palace, ahead of their Premier League opener. He is likely leaving the club soon. Liverpool want to sell him permanently and are not considering a loan. Nottingham Forest is one of the clubs interested in signing. As Tsimikas is contracted until 2027, he is prepared to leave Anfield to start afresh.

WHY LIVERPOOL ARE READY TO SELL

Permanent departures are a priority for Liverpool as they aim to reshape the squad under Arne Slot. As Andy Robertson is first choice, Tsimikas’ playing time is expected to reduce. So the club has set specific demands for Tsimikas. Although there has been interest from abroad, it would be logical for Forest to sign Tsimikas as they are looking for a replacement for Harry Toffolo, who left the club this summer. Tsimikas joined Liverpool for about £11.75m in 2020, while Liverpool also recently added striker Hugo Ekitike for £80 million as part of their squad adjustments.

FORM AND TEAM CONTEXT

As Tsimikas made limited Premier League starts last season, he mainly covered and rotated at left-back. However, as Andy Robertson was injured at the end of last season, he started playing in the league regularly. Meanwhile, Liverpool finished first last season in a strong performance, securing the Premier League title ahead of Arsenal by ten points. The club is looking to sell any excess players as Slot wants a balanced system with players out wide. Last season, Forest finished seventh in the Premier League, qualifying for the UEFA Conference League, and they are targeting defensive solidity, making Tsimikas’ signing a potential bolster to their squad.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Toffolo left earlier this summer, leaving a gap on the left side of Forest defence. Providing Premier League experience, Tsimikas would also add offensive prowess. With an eye on improvement, they need immediate reinforcements in the squad, especially as Forest reached European spots last season. As Liverpool only want to sell their players, the stance suits Forest, who are looking to sign a permanent deal instead of a short-term loan deal.

WHAT NEXT?

Talks are likely to progress quickly after Tsimikas missed the flight to Selhurst Park with the squad. As Tsimikas has a lengthy contract and experience, Liverpool want the fee to reflect that. If talks progress quickly, medical exams and personal terms have to be agreed upon before registration for the upcoming match. As the Midlands club faces early-season tests against rivals from the bottom half of the table, Tsimikas will have major responsibility on his shoulders.