Liverpool land Greek left-back Kostas Tsimikas

Liverpool made their first signing of the summer transfer window on Monday by bringing in Greece defender Kostas Tsimikas from Olympiacos on a long-term deal. The 24-year-old left back made 46 appearances for Olympiacos in all competitions last season as they won their 45th Greek Super League title.

Financial details were not given but British media said Liverpool paid around 12 million euros for Tsimikas, who has three caps with Greece since making his international debut in October 2018.

"I'm very happy, I'm very proud to be here. For me, Liverpool is the biggest club in the world. It's an honour to be here and I will give my best," Tsmikas told the club website. "The league here, I like a lot. I watch it on the TV and it was always one dream I had from when I was a kid to come to play in this league and to come through. With a lot of work and focus on what I do and what the coach wants, and every day working hard in training, I can be on the highest level. I want to achieve our goals. To win the league again and also to win the Champions League."

Liverpool won Europe's elite club competition in 2019 but were knocked out by Atlético Madrid at the Last 16 stage back in March.

Liverpool looking for a left-back

Tsimikas, who has had loan spells at Danish side Esjberg and Dutch outfit Willem II, has Champions League experience and is expected to provide cover for left-back Andy Robertson - their only natural left-sided defender. The Reds have been on the look-out for a new left-back since Alberto Moreno left the club last year. James Milner has adopted the role when Robertson has been unavailable. 

"We've watched Kostas for a long time and are really happy that he's joined us. It's the perfect news before we come back together very soon," Klopp said. "He's a very good footballer with an attitude to win and to compete, and I really like his mentality. It fits perfectly with the mood and the desire we have in our dressing room."