‘Leeds given green light to sign defensive target after Liverpool’s Kerkez breakthrough’
Leeds United are looking to utilise the summer transfer window to bolster their ranks ahead of their Premier League return.
Daniel Farke’s men will be eager to acquire a new goalkeeper and a striker as they strive to survive in the top flight next term.
The Whites are intent on bringing Newcastle United duo Callum Wilson and Sean Longstaff to West Yorkshire.
Meanwhile, Leeds are also in the market for a new left-back amid the uncertainty surrounding Junior Firpo’s future at Elland Road.
Liverpool’s move for Kerkez could allow Leeds to make Kostas Tsimikas swoop
Premier League champions Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.
Meanwhile, according to the Mail Online [14 May], Leeds have set their sights on a move for Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas.
| Kostas Tsimikas stats | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 17 |
| Starts | 8 |
| Minutes played | 743 |
Once the Reds finalise their move for Kerkez, that would leave Tsimikas behind both the Hungary international and key figure Andy Robertson in Arne Slot’s pecking order.
Therefore, the Merseyside outfit would likely be willing to part company with the Greek international, allowing Leeds to make their move.
Tsimikas could be a great acquisition for Leeds
According to BBC Sport [17 May], Leeds have opened contract talks with Firpo ahead of competing in the Premier League for the first time since 2023 next season.
But regardless of the Dominican Republic international’s future, Tsimikas could be an excellent signing for the Whites, who has proven his worth for Liverpool despite largely deputising for Robertson.
He has made 114 appearances for the Reds since joining from Olympiacos in the summer of 2020, and has won the Premier League title, one FA Cup, and two Carabao Cups.
Tsimikas boasts the sort of quality and top-flight experience that Leeds need as they battle to avoid an unwanted return to the Championship next season.
The gap between the Premier League and the second tier has widened in recent years, as demonstrated by the relegations of Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton this season.
But Leeds could go a long way towards bridging that gap by signing Tsimikas.