Back in 2020, Liverpool completed the signing of Kostas Tsimikas from Olympiacos in a deal worth £11.75m.
It came after the Reds saw a £10m bid for Jamal Lewis rejected by Norwich.
Liverpool wasted no time in moving on after the Canaries deemed that offer as derisory, and Newcastle eventually signed the left-back for £15m.
Now, Eddie Howe has made a decision which justifies Liverpool moving on from the 24-year-old.
Liverpool dodged a bullet with Jamal Lewis
The January transfer window is now closed, and following the additions of Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Matt Targett, Dan Burn and Bruno Guimarães, Lewis has been axed from Newcastle’s 25-man squad.
Having cost £15m not too long ago, that really isn’t a good look for the defender, who has struggled to deal with the expectation at Newcastle.
Therefore, imagine how Lewis would’ve fared at Anfield, where he would’ve been up against arguably the best left-back in Europe in Andy Robertson.
Of course, Jürgen Klopp is an incredible coach who would’ve helped Lewis far more than Steve Bruce and Howe have, although the signs still suggest Liverpool dodged a potential flop.
Kostas Tsimikas is shining
Liverpool’s recruitment team rarely make a mistake, and the deal for Tsimikas – at £3.25m cheaper than Lewis – now looks like a masterstroke.
The Greek defender shone this season while Robertson was injured, where his crossing ability and desire to overlap stood out.
Tsimikas is also just one year older than Lewis at 25, so it’s remarkable that Liverpool were able to find a better player of a similar age, and all for less than Norwich were demanding.
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