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Liverpool transfer news: Arne Slot identifies 'priority' summer signing after defender talks

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 14 June 2024

Arne Slot identifies new 'priority' signing after Liverpool transfer talks

Liverpool reportedly earmark the left-back position as a "priority" for the summer transfer window after holding talks over the future of Kostas Tsimikas.

Liverpool have reportedly added a new left-back to their summer transfer wishlist amid uncertainty over the future of Kostas Tsimikas.

The 28-year-old - who has been affectionately dubbed the "Greek Scouser" at Anfield - spent another season as Andrew Robertson's understudy in the 2023-24 campaign.

While Tsimikas made 25 appearances in all competitions and contributed four assists, he made just eight starts in the Premier League, alongside five appearances from the first whistle in the Europa League.

The Greece international's most notable contribution came in the final of the EFL Cup, where he provided the assist for Virgil van Dijk's winner, but he failed to cut the mustard on other occasions.

Furthermore, Joe Gomez excelled as a left-back during the absences of Robertson and Tsimikas over the festive period, and the latter did not even make the squad for two of Liverpool's last three Premier League games of the season.

Liverpool's Kostas Tsimikas in action in August 2023 © Reuters

Liverpool 'hold talks' over Tsimikas future

With Robertson set to stay on for at least one more season, despite interest from Bayern Munich, Tsimikas would only enjoy limited game time once again next season, especially if Gomez also remains at Anfield.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool have been holding discussions over the future of Tsimikas, who only extended his Anfield contract until the summer of 2027 in September but has attracted glances from elsewhere.

Following such discussions, the Liverpool hierarchy have supposedly earmarked the full-back positions as a "priority" to add more cover and competition if Tsimikas is indeed moved on.

The former Olympiacos man has conjured up 16 assists from 86 games in a Liverpool jersey since arriving in 2020, winning four trophies in the process, but he is still waiting for his first Reds goal.

The Anfield giants forked out €13m (£10.9m) to bring Tsimikas to the club four years ago, and they would no doubt be aiming to make a profit if they are to sever ties with him this summer.

Could Tsimikas exit lead to U-turn on Arne Slot reunion?

David Hancko celebrates scoring for Slovakia in September 2023 © Reuters

Liverpool are unlikely to ramp up their search for a new left-back unless it becomes clear that Tsimikas is on the way out, as a new centre-back, midfielder, winger and goalkeeper could also be targeted.

However, the Greece international's possible departure gives rise to a reunion between new Reds boss Slot and one of his former Feyenoord defenders; Slovakia international David Hancko.

The 26-year-old has found success as a centre-back in Rotterdam but is also a competent left-back, often occupying such a position for his country and showcasing his attacking talents both domestically and internationally.

Hancko - who will represent his nation at Euro 2024 - scored seven goals and set up three more last season, and even though it has been claimed that Liverpool have turned down the chance to sign him, it would not be a surprise to see them revisit their interest if Tsimikas goes.

Dutch international Quilindschy Hartman operated as Slot's first-choice left-back last season, but the 22-year-old is currently out with a serious knee injury, which has scuppered his hopes of a summer move elsewhere.