In a dramatic turn of events at Anfield, Liverpool appear set for a mid-season shake-up with two key players potentially on their way out. Greek defender Kostas Tsimikas and Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili could both be heading to Turkish giants Besiktas, according to reports from French journalist Santi Aouna. The moves come as the Reds continue to reshape their squad under manager Arne Slot, with the January transfer window entering its final hours on this January 31, 2026.
Tsimikas, who initially left Liverpool on a season-long loan to Roma back in August 2025, has been a standout performer in Serie A. The 29-year-old left-back has featured in 17 matches for the Giallorossi, contributing to their impressive climb to third place in the league standings. However, his Italian adventure might be cut short. Aouna reveals that Besiktas have “reached a full agreement” with Tsimikas, positioning them to hijack his loan spell and bring him to the Super Lig.
The Istanbul-based club is actively bolstering their squad across multiple positions and has also secured a deal with former Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares, currently on loan at Lazio from Nottingham Forest. Besiktas plan to “choose between them in the next 24 to 48 hours,” per Aouna, suggesting a swift resolution. It’s unclear whether Tsimikas’ potential switch would be another loan or a permanent transfer, but the agreement signals a clear intent to disrupt Roma’s plans and integrate the versatile defender into their ranks immediately.
Adding fuel to the fire, Besiktas aren’t stopping at just one Liverpool talent. Aouna reports that the Turkish side has “submitted a loan offer to Liverpool” for Mamardashvili, the 25-year-old shot-stopper hailed as “world-class” by Anfield Watch. The bid is valued at €2 million (£1.7m / $2.4m) for an initial six-month loan, with an option to extend into the 2026-27 season.
Mamardashvili’s journey to Liverpool has been a patient one. He agreed terms with the club in August 2024 but only officially joined last summer (2025) from Valencia. Since then, he’s made 11 appearances, keeping three clean sheets under Slot’s guidance. However, he remains firmly behind Brazilian star Alisson Becker in the pecking order, limiting his opportunities for regular first-team action.
Liverpool’s decision on Mamardashvili could hinge on squad depth concerns. Alisson, while undeniably elite, has a well-documented injury history that has plagued him in recent seasons. Allowing Mamardashvili to depart might leave the Reds vulnerable to a goalkeeper crisis, especially with the demanding fixture list ahead in the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups. On the flip side, a loan move could provide the young Georgian with valuable playing time, potentially increasing his value for a future sale or reintegration.
This double exit push underscores Liverpool’s ongoing evolution. Tsimikas was displaced by the arrival of Hungarian talent Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth in the summer of 2025, prompting his Roma loan. Mamardashvili, meanwhile, was brought in as a long-term successor to Alisson, but the realities of competition have sparked transfer interest.
Besiktas, under pressure to challenge for the Super Lig title, see both players as ideal fits to strengthen their defense and goalkeeping options. If these deals go through, it would mark a significant coup for the Black Eagles and a notable squad trim for Liverpool as they focus on title contention.
As the clock ticks down to the transfer deadline, all eyes will be on Anfield and Istanbul. Will Slot sanction these departures, or will Liverpool hold firm to protect their depth? Stay tuned for updates on what could be a defining day for the Reds’ season.