Liverpool star Kostas Tsimikas caught on camera posing with a Real Betis jersey gifted by Adrian

Liverpool left-back Kostas Tsimikas left the fans scratching their heads when he announced “I’m leaving” while posing with ex-star Adrian.

The Greece international has been the subject of speculation over his future at Anfield following the arrival of new head coach Arne Slot. Rumours intensified when he was captured holding up a Real Betis shirt with his name and number on the back.

It was Adrian who presented Kostas Tsimikas the Real Betis jersey ahead of his team’s clash against Liverpool on Friday evening. The Spaniard, who decided to reject Liverpool’s contract extension and returned to his old stomping ground on a free transfer earlier this summer, was all smiles when reuniting with Tsimikas.

The veteran goalkeeper craftily dipped into a bag and pulled out a Betis jersey he had printed for the Reds left-back. Tsimikas cracked up after noticing his personalised Betis shirt before posing with Adrian for a click. In front of the camera, the Greek then declared “I’m leaving!” and it was all smiles afterwards.

Of course, there is no way Liverpool will allow Tsimikas to leave the club and follow Adrian to Spain. At least for the time being, Arne Slot wouldn’t sanction his departure as the Merseyside outfit aren’t blessed with options at left-back in the US pre-season tour.

Before jetting off to the United States, Slot lost Andy Robertson due to a minor knock. Robertson, who captained Scotland at Euro 2024, will be hoping to recover before the new season begins. Meanwhile, Joe Gomez is yet to return to the club following his qualification to the Euro 2024 final with England, although he didn’t see the pitches in Germany.

Until Robertson and Gomez are available, Tsimikas will be the first-choice left-back. The 28-year-old failed to make much of an impact this past season, with ex-boss Jurgen Klopp largely preferring Gomez at left-back ahead of him during Robertson’s injury absence. Gomez stepped up and delivered consistent performances, thereby, keeping the Greece international on the fringes.

The Thessaloniki-born star now has a great opportunity to impress Slot in the pre-season tour and cement his place in the first XI. He started Liverpool’s first game of the pre-season tour against Real Betis at the Acrisure Stadium and played 64 minutes before being substituted by Luke Chambers.

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Tsimikas will be hoping to keep himself fit throughout the US tour and catch Slot’s eye with impressive displays in the upcoming friendly fixtures against Arsenal and Manchester United.