Liverpool have been relentless over the past two seasons. But this summer illustrates that manager Jurgen Klopp is about to potentially switch things up in his squad.
What’s the word?
Signing cover for Andy Robertson has been a priority for the German tactician since before the summer transfer window swung its doors open once more. Having agreed a fee for the exciting left-back Kostas Tsimikas, it may be a glimpse of something new from Klopp.
Having failed to agree on a fee with Norwich City for Jamal Lewis, sporting director Michael Edwards altered his attention to the Greece international who has been putting in some eye-catching performances for Olympiakos, per The Athletic.
The Canaries were after a fee of £20m for the 22-year-old but the Reds were simply not willing to pay that figure for a player that only scored once and did not provide any assists all season, according to TransferMarkt.
Scheduled for a medical on Tuesday, and if all goes to plan, we could potentially see some competition in the squad involving one of Klopp’s key assets for the first time.
Keeping Robertson on his toes
As we’ve witnessed over the past three seasons, Robertson has a tenacious and wonderful attitude when it comes to his football. So now is not the time for him to take his foot off the gas after helping Liverpool win their first league title in 30 years.
Like the Scot, Tsimikas is an attacking fullback who possesses an impressive record of seven assists from 46 appearances. Even though his potentially new teammate has a superior tally to the three-cap international, there is still the risk that he could lose his place in the squad to the 24-year-old.
Should Liverpool sign Kostas Tsimikas instead of Jamal Lewis?
Yes
No
Having helped Olympiakos win the league title last season for the first time in three seasons, Tsimikas knows what it takes to win and possesses the mentality to do just that, just what Klopp likes.
This is why Robertson has to be so careful about how he imposes himself. Not just on the pitch, but off it as well. Because before you know it, Tsimikas will have taken his place in the team.