Konstantinos Tsimikas of Olympiakos in action during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 second leg match between Arsenal FC and Olympiacos FC at Emirates Stadium on February 27, 2020. (Getty Images)
As per Sport Witness (h/t The Shields Gazette), Sheffield United have been linked with a move for Olympiacos star Kostas Tsimikas ahead of the summer transfer window.
Tsimikas, 23, came through the ranks of Panserraikos’ youth system in Greece and joined Olympiacos U20 side in 2014. He was sent on loan to Denmark and the Netherlands to improve his game and since his return in 2018, he has been a regular member of the Greek giants’ squad.
The Greece international has been in fine form in the past two seasons and was also involved in his side’s win over Arsenal in the Europa League before the league got suspended. And his impressive performances have put him on the radar of Sheffield United, as per the report.
Meanwhile, the Blades have been a surprise packing in England’s top-flight this term after surpassing several top teams in the league table, including Arsenal and Tottenham. Chris Wilder has done a stellar job without any big names in the squad and has led them to success since their promotion.
Sheffield United are currently 7th in the league standings, level on points with Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolves side, and are hoping for European qualification. They have been brilliant in every department and one of the major reasons for their success is the stability at the back.
The backline has conceded just 25 goals so far, which is the second-best defensive record in the Premier League. The likes of Jack O’Connell, John Egan and Chris Basham have done a marvellous job in holding their lines tight and Dean Henderson has been at his best in goal.
However, Wilder should look to add depth and competition to his squad so that they can improve further next season. And one area that needs to be strengthened is the left side of the pitch. Enda Stevens had been the lone wing-back on the left until Jack Robinson arrived from Nottingham Forest from his loan spell.
The Irish international has done a stellar job from a slightly higher position but has been without a proper backup. Thus, the manager should bring in reinforcements to see that he has covered every position with an able backup. In that case, Olympiacos’ Kostas Tsimikas could be a viable option for the Blades.
Tsimikas has been in fine form for his side this season and has already provided 5 assists in 20 Super League 1 games he has featured in. He is one of the emerging players in Europe and has the ability to succeed at a higher level. He would definitely add depth to Wilder’s squad if he joins them.
At 23, it is the right time for him to take a huge step into the Premier League and given his qualities, he would undoubtedly bring competition at Sheffield United. Thus, the Blades should manage to lure the Greek man in the summer.