Leicester interested in 23-year-old Greek club ace – Is this the right move by Rodgers?

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Why Leicester City should plot a move for Olympiacos’ Kostas Tsimikas

According to Greek website Sportime (h/t Leicester Mercury), Leicester City are interested in signing Olympiacos left-back Kostas Tsimikas.

Kostas Tsimikas, 23, has been a regular fixture in the Olympiacos side this season. He has made 35 appearances across all competitions and played in every Champions League match of the Greek outfit, where he shined against the likes of Tottenham and Bayern Munich. He has racked up seven assists across all competitions already this season.

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)
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)

The defender has also been recognised at the international level with three senior appearances for Greece along with a combined 30 caps across the under-19 and under-21 age groups. The report (h/t Leicester Mercury) adds Leicester City could go for Tsimikas should Ben Chilwell depart the King Power Stadium this summer.

Ben Chilwell, 23, has been one of the top left-backs in the Premier League in recent times. The England international’s performances this season haven’t gone unnoticed, with the defender heavily linked with Chelsea. Frank Lampard’s Blues could make a move for the Foxes’ left-back this summer. (h/t Leicester Mercury)

Should Chilwell depart the Midlands club at the end of the season, Brendan Rodgers would be wise to replace him with Kostas Tsimikas.

Ben Chilwell
Ben Chilwell of Leicester City celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Chelsea at The King Power Stadium. (Getty Images)

Tsimikas has been a consistent performer for Olympiacos over the last two seasons. The 23-year-old has enjoyed a fine 2019/20 campaign and is a player with Champions League experience under his belt. He has racked up close to 130 appearances in his club career, which includes representing clubs such as Olympiacos, Esbjerg and Willem II.

The left-back is a talented player and still developing at just 23. The Greek can take his game to the next level under the guidance of Rodgers, who has nurtured young talents like Chilwell, James Maddison, Youri Tielemans, Harvey Barnes and Hamza Choudhury at the King Power Stadium.

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Caglar Soyuncu of Leicester City shakes hands with Brendan Rodgers, Manager of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Newcastle United at The King Power Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Getty Images)
Caglar Soyuncu of Leicester City shakes hands with Brendan Rodgers, Manager of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Newcastle United at The King Power Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Getty Images)

Full-backs are an increasingly important part of the modern game, and bringing in a quality talent like Tsimikas could help put Leicester up there with Liverpool, who have enjoyed plenty of success with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson in the full-back positions.

Tsimikas would be an ideal replacement for Chilwell, whilst bolstering Leicester’s options in defence. He would certainly add quality if he replicates the form he has shown for Olympiacos this term.

Verdict

After impressing with Olympiacos, Tsimikas is at the right age to take the next big step in his career and must test himself in the Premier League. He could provide Leicester with a strong option in defence and can develop into a crucial player. Therefore, the Foxes should look to sign the Greek international and lure him to the King Power Stadium this summer.