Nottingham Forest Overtake Brighton to Sign Greece International Konstantinos Tsimikas in Stunning Transfer Coup
In one of the most surprising transfer twists of the 2025 summer window, Nottingham Forest have beaten Brighton & Hove Albion to the signature of Greek international left-back Konstantinos Tsimikas. The 29-year-old former Liverpool defender will now call the City Ground home, as Forest continue to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League season.
A Dramatic Turn in Negotiations
Brighton had long been considered the front-runner for Tsimikas. The Seagulls initiated discussions with his representatives as early as May, with reports suggesting personal terms had even been verbally agreed. Brighton’s interest made sense — their need for defensive reinforcement following the departure of Pervis Estupiñán created a vacancy on the left side of Roberto De Zerbi’s backline.
However, as negotiations dragged on, Nottingham Forest quietly entered the race. According to sources close to the deal, Forest officials, led by chairman Evangelos Marinakis—himself a fellow Greek—moved swiftly, offering Tsimikas not only an attractive financial package but also the promise of a leading role in their defensive rebuild. That decisive approach convinced Tsimikas to pivot away from Brighton and sign a four-year contract with Forest worth a reported £70,000 per week.
The Marinakis Connection
Many observers believe Marinakis played a pivotal role in sealing the deal. The Greek shipping magnate, who also owns Olympiacos — where Tsimikas rose to prominence — has maintained a strong relationship with the player’s representatives for years. While Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo was eager to bring in a proven left-back, Marinakis’ personal involvement added a layer of familiarity and trust that helped accelerate the negotiations.
Speaking after the official announcement, Marinakis stated:
“Konstantinos is a player I’ve admired for years, both for his performances at Olympiacos and his time in England. We believe he brings quality, experience, and leadership to our team. This signing reflects our ambition to continue growing and competing at the highest level.”
A Fresh Start for Tsimikas
For Tsimikas, the move represents an opportunity to reignite his career. After joining Liverpool in 2020 from Olympiacos, he quickly earned praise as a dependable deputy to first-choice left-back Andy Robertson. His most memorable moment came when he scored the winning penalty in the 2022 FA Cup final against Chelsea, etching his name into Anfield folklore.
However, opportunities for consistent first-team football became increasingly scarce, as Robertson maintained his stronghold on the position. Despite being a popular figure in the Liverpool dressing room, Tsimikas appeared in just 12 league matches last season, most of them coming off the bench.
In his first interview as a Nottingham Forest player, Tsimikas expressed his excitement:
“I’m very happy to be here. Nottingham Forest is a club with great history, passionate fans, and big ambitions. I want to play regular football, help the team achieve its goals, and give my best every time I wear the shirt. This is a new challenge for me, and I am ready for it.”
Forest’s Defensive Reinforcements
Nuno Espírito Santo has made defensive stability a priority after Forest’s narrow escape from relegation last season. The arrival of Tsimikas follows the recent acquisitions of German center-back Robin Koch from Leeds United and Brazilian right-back Vanderson from AS Monaco. Together, these signings demonstrate Forest’s intent to solidify their backline and climb up the Premier League table.
Speaking about Tsimikas’ arrival, Nuno said:
“Konstantinos brings international experience, Premier League knowledge, and excellent technical qualities. He is strong defensively, aggressive in his pressing, and very good going forward. We believe he will fit perfectly into our system and add balance to our defense.”
Tsimikas is expected to immediately challenge Omar Richards and Harry Toffolo for the starting left-back role. His arrival adds much-needed depth, especially with Forest’s expanded schedule due to their participation in the UEFA Europa Conference League after a strong FA Cup run last season.
Brighton Left Disappointed
Brighton’s failure to secure Tsimikas is a setback for De Zerbi, who had identified the Greek as a primary target to fill the void left by Estupiñán. While Brighton are expected to explore other options before the transfer window closes, missing out on Tsimikas has frustrated the club’s recruitment department.
A Brighton insider admitted:
“We had been in talks for weeks and were confident of an agreement. Nottingham Forest’s late intervention changed everything. It’s disappointing, but that’s football. We’ll move on to other targets.”
A Growing Greek Influence at Forest
Tsimikas’ signing also continues Nottingham Forest’s growing connection to Greek football, largely thanks to Marinakis’ influence. The club already features Greek players such as Andreas Bouchalakis and has strong ties to Olympiacos for scouting and player development.
Greek fans are now expected to follow Forest even more closely, as Tsimikas remains one of Greece’s most popular and recognizable footballers. His leadership and experience will also be valuable for Forest’s younger squad members.
Conclusion
Nottingham Forest’s capture of Konstantinos Tsimikas represents a major statement of intent ahead of the 2025-26 season. Beating out Brighton for his signature demonstrates the club’s growing pull in the transfer market, their ambition to solidify their Premier League status, and the increasing influence of Evangelos Marinakis.
For Tsimikas, this is a chance to start a new chapter, take on a leading role, and continue proving himself in one of the toughest leagues in the world. Forest fans will be eagerly anticipating his debut at the City Ground, where his technical ability, work rate, and experience are expected to make an immediate impact.
As Forest continues its summer rebuild, the addition of Tsimikas sends a clear message: the club is no longer content with survival — they are now aiming much higher.
