Latest news with #KostasTsimikas
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kostas Tsimikas makes Trent Alexander-Arnold exit admission after Liverpool supporters 'saw it differently'
Kostas Tsimikas says "the whole world must respect" Trent Alexander-Arnold's decision to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid. But the Reds defender also accepts the supporters' right to view the departure differently to the squad itself. Advertisement Alexander-Arnold joined los Blancos at the beginning of the month after the Reds engineered a £10m transfer for him to leave a month before his contract technically expired, meaning the Premier League champions bagged a sizable sum for a player who was on the cusp of a move as a free agent. The West Derby-born defender was subjected to loud boos at Anfield when he made his second-half substitute appearance in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal last month and while Tsimikas says the team have not been offended by their former colleague's decision, he also understands the depth of emotion from those who reacted angrily. READ MORE: Federico Chiesa sent blunt Liverpool transfer demand by new Italy boss READ MORE: When Liverpool will announce Florian Wirtz transfer as medical set for record arrival Advertisement "Okay, for Trent what to do," Tsimikas told Sport24. "After all, it's work. That was his choice, he wanted to see something else. Trent also goes to the best team, after Liverpool! (laughs). "Okay, they are choices, from then on the whole world must respect it. When you make this decision, you have to be ready to accept everything, we are our choices. He wanted to leave, he chose it. "From then on, you can see what he has given to the team, you see what Liverpool have got since Trent started playing. "All you can do is give him a good, warm round of applause. Tell him good luck. Because what he gave is too many [memories]. It will be difficult for any other player, even a transfer with a lot of money, to be able to do what Trent did. Advertisement "But yes, surely the locals saw it differently, they expected the Scouser to stay forever, until he hung up his boots. This is what creates an extra tension." Tsimikas added: "We within the team understood that he wants to leave, that there is no [obligation] to stay. "That's what he wanted from the beginning, he wanted to play for Real, so from the beginning of the season it seemed like it was the last season, he wanted something different, as he said. "I wish him all the best from the bottom of my heart, because we were very, very close. We made a lot of jokes together and it's hard to say goodbye to a player who every day we've been together for five years. Advertisement "I wish him all the best, without injuries and okay, you are a player, a great player, what can we discuss." Alexander-Arnold made his Real Madrid debut in Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup.
BBC News
6 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Atletico keen on Robertson - would move appeal?
Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Liverpool defender Andy Robertson as the Anfield club edge towards a deal to bring in Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez as their first-choice said last week he had not given his future much thought, with his focus on a enjoying a well-earned holiday after another long and successful season in which he won the Premier League for the second with the transfer window opening in a few days, the Anfield mainstay and Scotland captain's club future is unclear for the first time in eight would likely cost between £45m-£50m and is expected to be Arne Slot's preferred choice at Liverpool are keen to retain Robertson and allow current back-up left-back Kostas Tsimikas leave, but acknowlege that the 31-year-old may be minded to move on in search of regular football. Why would Robertson stay at Liverpool? Robertson has had a very successful stint on Merseyside since joining from Hull City in 2017, and has a year left on his has won everything, adding a second league title last season as Arne Slot's side comfortably claimed the Premier League. Robertson was still a big part of that, starting 33 of 38 games. And though some fans might be ready to move on, at 31 the defender is willing to fight for his place."I'm not getting any younger - I can't change my age - but I still believe I've got a lot to give," Robertson told BBC Sport Scotland whilst on international duty last week. "I still believe I have a hell of a lot to give for however many years I can keep going. "My body feels good at the minute. I can't tell you how I'll feel at 33 or 34, but I can tell you, at 31, I feel excellent."With his family settled in the city and his place as a club legend likely assured, moving away would be a big Robertson will likely have taken note of the acrimony around Trent Alexander-Arnold's recent exit for Real situations are not directly comparable given Alexander-Arnold is a local boy and academy product, who at 26 potentially has his peak years in front of whether Robertson is first-choice or not at Liverpool next season, the club will have a big pull, especially given they would arguably want him to stay and compete with Kerkez for a starting berth across a long season on several front. Why might a move abroad appeal? If Kerkez does join and bump Robertson down the pecking order, a switch to another Premier League club can not be ruled out with Atletico are prioritising him as their left-back target this summer, a move outside of the UK for the first time is on the was asked about the benefits of playing abroad while on international duty last week, in reference to Scotland team-mates Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay, who won Serie A in their first season at Napoli."When these players play abroad they see a different way of playing and lifestyle," he said. "That can only help. "Young lads coming through might now be thinking I want to go and try that. That's credit to those lads stepping out of their comfort zone."It will not have escaped Robertson's notice just how much of a hero McTominay now is in Naples after leading them to the Scudetto, while being named the league's best move guarantees success, but with Serie A and La Liga often described as a slightly slower pace week-to-week than the Premier League, a move abroad at 31 might give Robertson more years at the top. Would Atletico & Simeone be a good fit? With Cesar Azpilicueta and fellow left-back Reinildo Mandava out of contract, Diego Simeone has set his eyes on Argentine has become renowned for intense, aggressive play over his 14 years at the club, winning two La Liga titles and reaching two Champions League a few attempts to reinvent his style, defensive solidity is still a priority and Atletico had the second-best defensive record in La Liga last while Robertson was renowned for his assists in Jurgen Klopp's successful spell, he can do both sides of the leadership skills and personality on the pitch is also something Simeone would enjoy, and working with the Argentinian may itself be a draw for Robertson. Do fans think Robertson should stay? BBC Sport asked fans to get in touch with their views on Robertson's future recently, and here are some of the Robbo has been a fantastic player but his recent mistakes have led to goals conceded and this would be a problem in what I expect to be a tougher Robbo has been a great player for Liverpool, a real legend. Last season it was mistake after mistake at times and I think it's down to his game being all about high intensity and his age creeping up on him. His minutes need to be managed now, but he definitely still has a place in the Looks like Robertson's time as the number one left-back could be coming to an end. Robertson might have to get used to being the back-up for Robbo is our left-back. Whoever comes in has to knock him out of the position and not the other way round. He's got nothing to prove. Always need a Scot in the Move him on given his contract status. Tsimikas is an able an opinion? Have your say here
The Guardian
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Liverpool looking to seal deal for £45m-rated Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth
Liverpool are attempting to finalise a deal to sign Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth with the south-coast club demanding £45m for the Hungary international. Arne Slot has made Kerkez his first-choice target for strengthening at left-back and Liverpool are increasingly confident of completing a deal, though Bournemouth are holding out for their full valuation of the 21-year-old. Kerkez, who can also operate as a left wing-back, is keen on a move to Merseyside and Liverpool's position is strengthened by Richard Hughes' involvement in negotiations. The Liverpool sporting director was technical director at Bournemouth when Kerkez was signed from AZ Alkmaar in 2023 and is leading talks with his former club. Liverpool have already signed one full-back/wing-back this summer with the £29.5m transfer of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen and want to improve their options on the opposite flank. The arrival of Kerkez could lead to the exit of Kostas Tsimikas, who has provided back-up to Andy Robertson throughout his five years on Merseyside. Bournemouth are facing an exodus of defensive talent this summer with Real Madrid activating Dean Huijsen's £50m release clause and his fellow centre-back, Ilya Zabarnyi, a target for European champions Paris Saint-Germain. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion Liverpool also remain in talks with Leverkusen over what would be a club-record signing of Florian Wirtz.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Richard Hughes to deliver Liverpool €35m transfer BOOST
At the back, we could see Kostas Tsimikas make way for a new left-back and there is significant uncertainty around a number of centre-backs too. Ibrahima Konate's contract is causing a problem - while Joe Gomez could also leave after a decade of loyal service. But perhaps the likeliest candidate to leave from the middle of defence this summer is Jarell Quansah. The 22-year-old started the season in Arne Slot's first-choice XI and was bolstered by a new contract. But things haven't gone to plan for the homegrown youngster since then. Without a place in Slot's preferred team, Richard Hughes could now opt to sacrifice Quansah to free up money for other signings. And according to Caught Offside, the England squad member is attracting significant attention from around the Premier League and Bundesliga. Moreover, it's now claimed that Quansah is ready to consider an exit from his boyhood club - having failed to capitalise on his breakthrough year under Jurgen Klopp. 'Nottingham Forest, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayer Leverkusen, in particular, are actively involved in the transfer process,' the report reads. 'Liverpool have struggled to provide Quansah with sufficient playing time due to their strong defensive lineup, which includes Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joe Gomez. 'As a result, the young defender's desire to leave has grown. The club is planning to sell Quansah for approximately €30-35 million to generate funds for new signings. 'Newcastle United, Brentford, AFC Bournemouth, and Everton have also emerged as potential destinations.'
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool target Milos Kerkez drops transfer hint after final game of season
Liverpool transfer target Milos Kerkez said he "doesn't know what will happen in the next week" after Bournemouth's final game of the Premier League season. The Hungarian has been one of the best left-backs in England over the course of the campaign, starting in each of the Cherries' 38 games. He has been linked with a move to Anfield for several months, and reports last week suggested talks had taken place between Liverpool and Kerkez over a possible transfer. The 21-year-old did nothing to quell that speculation as he wrote on Instagram: "38 games, 38 started, we finished the job and broke the record. READ MORE: Every word as Trent Alexander-Arnold in floods of tears after 'the best day of my life' READ MORE: Liverpool fans show Trent Alexander-Arnold what they really think of him during trophy ceremony "Thanks to the fans and everyone for support, thanks to the gaffer for trusting me to start all 38 games and special thanks to the one above for keeping me safe and healthy. "Of course nothing would be possible without my family — I don't know what will happen in the next week but, Cherries family, thank you." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Milos Kerkez (@miloskerkezofficial) Andy Robertson endured a difficult season on an individual level, and Kostas Tsimikas could leave Liverpool this summer to make way for a new left-back addition. Bournemouth signed a new left-back, Julio Soler, 20, from the Argentinian team Lanus during the January transfer window. While he was not signed as a direct replacement for Kerkez, Soler's arrival would no doubt smooth over any possible exit for the Liverpool target. Kerkez left the door more than slightly ajar for a departure from Bournemouth earlier this season. In an interview with The Athletic, he was asked whether he sees the next step in his career as being a "return to one of Europe's elite clubs". Kerkez, who was previously on AC Milan's books, responded: 'As a kid, you dream to play at the highest level, win the trophies, be on the best teams. 'These are the things that my agent is on. My dad is on. When someone comes (in for you) you never know what's going to happen or where you're going to end up. In the summer, we will see what happens.' In other transfer news, Liverpool is also closing in on a deal to sign Jeremie Frimpong from Leverkusen after the Netherlands international successfully underwent his medical last week, while the Reds are also firm favorites to sing Florian Wirtz after appearing to edge out Bayern Munich in the battle to sign the Germany international.
