Kostas Tsimikas of Olympiacos FC plays the ball during the UEFA Champions League group B match between Bayern Muenchen and Olympiacos FC at Allianz Arena on November 06, 2019. (Getty Images)
According to German newspaper FOS (h/t Leicestershire Live), Leicester City are chasing Greek left-back Kostas Tsimikas.
The 23-year-old full-back currently plies his trade with Greek giants Olympiacos, under whom he made his senior debut back in 2015. Tsimikas has slowly established himself as the first-choice left-back at the Greek side and has been instrumental in helping them climb to the top of the league table this season.
To add to his credentials, Tsimikas is his side’s third-highest assist provider in the league with five to his name. He was also a vital member of their Champions League squad this season, featuring in all six games and assisting once.
Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City are on the lookout for a new left-back in case their first-choice defender Ben Chilwell decides to move.
The Englishman has had an excellent campaign this season and has attracted interest from a lot of clubs, with rivals Chelsea first in line to land him. Though Leicester are keen to keep hold of their star defender, only time can tell what’s in store for both the parties.
Moreover, Rodgers’ side have just one more left-back as a back-up option, veteran Christian Fuchs. However, Fuchs is already 33 now and way past his prime.
Hence, the Foxes’ decision to search for a new left-back at this juncture does not come as a surprise. Also, considering his age and the experience that he has garnered playing for Olympiacos at the highest level, Tsimikas seems like a good choice.
Not just in Greece, Tsimikas has also proved his potential with Dutch side Willem II, where he was on a season-long loan in 2017-18. The Greek full-back did not take much time to adjust to the new surroundings as he played in 32 of their 34 matches, establish himself as a regular there before returning to Olympiacos.
He has also been a regular for the Greek youth sides, featuring in their under-19 and under-21 teams regularly. Tsimikas, who made his senior national team debut in October 2018, has played three times for them so far.
With current left-back Chilwell attracting plenty of interest from other English clubs, Leicester’s decision to land Tsimikas seems like a wise one. Moreover, he is still young could improve even further. Thus, the Foxes pursuing their interest in the young full-back seems like a safe bet now.
