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Stefanos Tzimas is a name that Liverpool have been heavily linked with in the past 48 hours.

First reported by Sam McGuire on Sunday, then Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg swiftly followed to confirm that talks had already started between Liverpool and Bundesliga 2 side FC Nurnberg, over a potential summer transfer.

Here, we will be discussing five reasons why the Reds are eager to sign the young Greek forward.



1.

A LACK OF A RELIABLE NUMBER NINE

19-year-old Tzimas may well be part of a whole host of forwards that become linked to Liverpool between now and the summer.

Darwin Nunez is two and a half years into his Liverpool career and the inconsistencies continue.

The Uruguayan has flattered to decieve this season and has reportedly been the subject of a huge bid from Saudi Arabian club, Al Hilal, to which the Reds have rejected.

It remains to be seen whether Liverpool would entertain offers for Nunez this month, despite interest from the Far-East.

Diogo Jota also has a question mark above his name.

Many believe that Jota is the club’s best finisher, even ahead of Mohamed Salah, but it is the amount of time that he spends on the sidelines, that holds the biggest concern.

Arne Slot’s current number nine issue has also seen Luis Díaz deployed in the position, but it is an experiment that cannot last forever.

It would not come as a shock if Liverpool were to offload one of Nunez or Jota this summer and viewed Tzimas as their replacement.

2.

ONE OF EUROPE’S HOT PROSPECTS

Stefanos Tzimas is one of many young talents to learn their trade through the PAOK academy.

He is being touted as one of the most talented teenagers in the country and a regular on the international stage at youth level with 27 appearances, whilst being named captain of the Greece U17’s between 2021 and 2023.

Tzimas ranks inside the top five-per-cent for goals scored below Europe’s top five leagues.

There is most definitely a talent that can succeed if rewarded with the right coaching at a top club like Liverpool.

3.

Credit: Pim Ras Photography

The Mexican was crucial in Feyenoord winning the league and cup double in Slot’s final season at De Kuip, scoring 26 times and providing 8 assists in 41 games across all competitions.

As for Tzimas, he is known as a complete forward.

The 19-year-old is fast, powerful and a clinical finisher with both feet, whilst also preferring the role of the lone striker in a 4-3-3 system, Liverpool’s most common formation.

Tzimas has already netted eight goals and provided two assists in just fourteen 2.Bundesliga matches this season.

4.

THE NEXT FIRMINO

Roberto Firmino is a Liverpool legend.

Almost every supporter would mention Firmino’s name if asked about the club’s most underrated player of recent history, as he did not get anywhere near the amount of credit that he truly deserved.

The Brazilian operated in a ‘false-9’ role that would see him be Liverpool’s coordinator, but was often overshadowed by the sheer greatness of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, as they all formed a devastating attacking trio for five seasons together.

UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images.

Firmino’s determination to play key roles at both ends of the pitch is what saw him become adored by the Anfield faithful.

Tzimas could be the man to fill the void that remains of Firmino, almost two years on.

The Greek is inside the top one-percentile for progressive carries, and top eighteen-percentile for tackles per 90 according to FBref.com, which has the hallmarks of a player who is willing to sacrifice himself for the benefit of the team, just like Firmino, but with the added bonus of an obvious goal threat.

5.

LIVERPOOL CONSIDER TZIMAS AS A BARGAIN

Although Stefanos Tzimas is on loan from PAOK this season, FC Nurnberg are likely to trigger an £18m buy-option, with the intention of maximising profit through a sale in the region close to £22m.

Despite being just nineteen years of age, senior figures at Anfield are ‘excited’ by Tzimas and see his asking price as a bargain that aligns with their current recruitment strategy.

If Stefanos Tzimas is to join Liverpool then it seems like the Reds will gain ahold of another bright young prospect.

Arne Slot’s number nine headache may remain, but Tzimas could just be the right man to fix it.

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