Ligue 1 Side Pushing to Sign Liverpool Defender – Report | OneFootball

Marseille Target Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas Amid Dressing Room Turmoil

Olympique de Marseille have endured a turbulent opening to their Ligue 1 campaign, both on and off the pitch. After a summer that promised stability, optimism quickly unravelled. A 2-1 defeat to Rennes, who played with 10 men for over an hour, highlighted vulnerabilities in Roberto De Zerbi’s side. According to Foot Mercato, the fallout was severe. Jonathan Rowe and Adrien Rabiot came to blows in the aftermath of the loss, a “violent brawl” that forced the club to intervene. Both players have since been transfer listed and will not feature for OM again.

Left-back Priority for Marseille

While disciplinary issues dominate headlines, Marseille’s management are also working intensely on transfers. With Quentin Merlin gone and Ulisses Garcia the only natural left-back available, the position has become a major priority. Foot Mercato report that OM are “currently targeting Liverpool left-back Kóstas Tsimíkas” as a solution.

The Greek international has been a reliable deputy at Anfield, making 29 appearances in all competitions last season. Yet with the £40m arrival of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth and Andy Robertson still in place, Tsimikas has slipped down the pecking order. At 29 years old and with 41 caps for Greece, he is at the stage of his career where regular football is essential.

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Tsimikas Fits De Zerbi’s System

Marseille believe Tsimikas can offer attacking qualities well-suited to De Zerbi’s structure. “His attacking profile corresponds to Roberto De Zerbi’s system,” Foot Mercato note. That aspect has long been a strength of the player, with his delivery from wide areas and willingness to push forward making him a natural fit for possession-based football.

Liverpool are open to his departure this summer, especially with three left-backs now competing for one role. Tsimikas’ situation has already alerted several clubs, including Premier League sides and former club Olympiacos, yet Marseille are expected to push hardest to secure his services before the deadline.

Uncertain Weeks Ahead

Marseille’s transfer activity in the final days of the window will be decisive. Replacing Rowe and Rabiot while simultaneously adding a first-choice left-back is no small task, but it is one that could shape their season. De Zerbi’s methods demand full commitment from his players, and new arrivals who can execute his vision are badly needed.

Tsimikas, with his blend of experience and attacking intent, could be a shrewd acquisition. Whether OM can convince Liverpool to part with him, and whether the player himself sees Ligue 1 as the right next step, will become clear in the coming weeks.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool perspective, this report underlines the reality of squad balance under Arne Slot. With Andy Robertson’s aborted move to Atletico Madrid earlier this summer, and the high-profile arrival of Milos Kerkez, the left-back department has become overcrowded. It always felt inevitable that Kostas Tsimikas would be the one to make way.

Tsimikas has been a dependable squad player, affectionately nicknamed the “Greek Scouser” for his commitment and personality. He provided key moments during Liverpool’s recent cup successes, yet with Kerkez expected to become a long-term successor to Robertson, his pathway is now blocked.

Selling him to Marseille would not only raise funds but also clear space in a squad that must remain balanced for a demanding season ahead. Fans will view this as a sensible piece of business. There is respect for Tsimikas’ service, but also recognition that Liverpool require sharper competition in all areas to maintain their Premier League crown.

Should he complete the move, many supporters will wish him well. His attacking instincts align with De Zerbi’s approach, and Marseille could be the perfect environment for him to revive his career. For Liverpool, the focus shifts to ensuring Kerkez settles quickly, while Robertson remains fit and consistent.

In truth, Liverpool fans are not panicked by this departure. Tsimikas was valued but never truly essential. What matters now is maintaining momentum under Slot and ensuring the left side of defence continues to perform at the highest level.