Tsimikas heavily linked with Napoli move
Konstantinos Tsimikas, who has been in fantastic form for Olympiacos on the left side of defence, is wanted by Napoli as the Italians continue to make enquiries.
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Tsimikas, 23, has been one of the best performers for Olympiacos during the first half of the campaign. Impressing with his energetic, purposeful play on the left wing, the Greek international has provided six assists across all competitions, offering a great attacking threat. His pace allows him to quickly track back in defence when required too.
Naturally, clubs from Europe’s leading leagues are beginning to display serious interest in Tsimikas, and Napoli are reportedly the most keen. However, while the Serie A club do want to sign Tsimikas during the winter transfer window, negotiations with Olympiacos are proving difficult as the Erythrolefki continue to demand more money than Napoli are prepared to pay.
Transfemarkt rates Tsimikas’ value at 4.5 million euros. Tsimikas has made three appearances for the senior Greek national team.
Additionally, according to information provided by Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli cannot sign Tsimikas until they offload Algerian left-back Faouzi Ghoulam. Initially, Napoli had hoped that Marseille would sign Ghoulam, but the transfer appears to have fallen through.
OLYMPIACOS DEMANDING BIG BUCKS FOR PODENCE
Tsimikas isn’t the only Olympiacos player who Napoli are interested in.
Daniel Podence, one of the most technically gifted players in the Super League, is also on the watchlist of Napoli. In the current campaign, Podence has stood out with his superb technical ability for Olympiacos, registering five goals and five assists in all tournaments. The diminutive Portuguese winger has consistently been a leading creative figure for Olympiacos since joining the Piraeus-based organisation in the summer of 2018.
If reports in the Italian media are to be believed, Napoli have enquired about the availability of Podence, with Olympiacos subsequently stating that he will not be sold for any less than 25 million. Olympiacos hope that his high price tag will lower interest in the talented 24-year-old.
SDNA also reported that a bid of 20 million from an unknown club has met Olympiacos’ demands.
Podence’s value is rated at six million by Transfermarkt.
FURTHER POSSIBLE DEPARTURES
Guinean defensive midfielder Mohamed Camara has been linked with a possible transfer to Marseille and Sheffield United, however, if Olympiacos are going to sell one of their star assets, the bid will have to be a minimum of 20 million. Miguel Angel Guerrero, the second-choice striker in Piraeus behind the prolific Youssef El Arabi, is reportedly wanted by Getafe, with the Spanish striker receiving increasing less playing time at Olympiacos.
There is also the case of Norwegian right-back Omar Elabdellaoui. At the moment, his contract with Olympiacos is due to expire after the 2019/2020 campaign ends, and the media have suggested that the 28-year-old is asking for too much money from the Erythrolefki. On the flip side, Elabdellaoui is known for wanting to remain at Olympiacos, and it is feasible that the parties eventually reach a compromise and extend the contract. Clubs from England are reportedly interested in Elabdellaoui.
HASSAN RETURN
Rumours are still floating around concerning the possible return of Ahmed Hassan.
In Egypt and Portugal, stories have revealed that Olympiacos have engaged in negotiations with Braga concerning Hassan, and the player himself is in favour of returning to Piraeus. Hassan, 26, tallied 11 goals in 22 Super League games in the 2018/2019 campaign as a loanee with Olympiacos, but he has struggled with injuries at Braga this season. So far, Hassan has only competed in seven matches for Braga, scoring the one goal in the domestic championship.
