Zimikas seeks Roma transfer, Liverpool insists on permanent sale

Anfield's 'Greece Scouser' is about to play the Apennines? According to well-known transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool left-back Costas Zimikas has expressed his strong desire to join Roma to the club, but the transaction structure has become the focus of the tug-of-war between the two sides: Roma hopes to complete the operation in the form of renting first and then buying, while Liverpool management insists on a permanent transfer. The 29-year-old Greek international's contract with the Reds will last until the end of the 2026-27 season, but due to the joining of new player Milos Kerkez, his appearance pick further declined and even failed to be selected for the Premier League roster in a row. The search for stable playing time has become the core motivation for players to leave the team, and the demand for offensive full-backs by Roma coach De Rossi is exactly in line with the technical characteristics of Zimikas who is good at forward-splitting (18 assists in Liverpool's period). Behind this transaction is the dual considerations of Liverpool's athletic planning and financial logic. From a data perspective, although Zimikas only started 42 Premier League games in four years, his 1.7 key passes per 90 minutes and an 83% pass success rate (Opta data) proved that he has the value of instant combat power. Liverpool introduced it for £11.3 million in 2019 and is now on sale during the window period where the remaining contract value has not yet been significantly amortized, and is expected to maximize capital gains. The deeper impact lies in the iteration of the lineup - although Robertson averaged 0.9 interceptions per game last season (Whoscored data), his leadership status is temporarily irreplaceable, while 21-year-old Kerket represents future investment. If Zimikas leaves the team, the Reds will form a new configuration of veterans leading new players on the left. This generational alternating strategy is highly consistent with Fenway Group's operational philosophy that focuses on asset appreciation. The chain reaction in the transfer market is spreading. In addition to Rome, two other unnamed clubs have joined the battle before closing the window. This competitive situation may push the transfer fee to the £20 million range. It is interesting to note that Zimikas' potential departure may only be the prelude to Anfield's midfield change - British media "Football Insider" revealed that although Elliott performed well in the preseason, his long-term positioning still has variables. For Roma, this signing is related to the reconstruction of the tactical system: Spinazola is getting older and has frequent injuries, while Zimikas has both experience in the Champions League and the UEFA Cup winning experience (2022-23 season), and his ability to adapt to multi-line combat is the stability element that the team needs after Mourinho's departure. The final direction of this transfer game will become a typical example of testing the club's negotiation strategy and the professional choices of players.