EXCLUSIVE: The inside story of Stefanos Tzimas’ Liverpool transfer decision

Liverpool entered talks to sign Stefan Tzimas this month. Here's how he made his decision.

Anfield Watch exclusively revealed this month that Liverpool wanted to sign Stefan Tzimas. It was never the simplest deal to get done, however.

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Tzimas is contracted to PAOK in Greece but on loan with Nurnberg in Bundesliga 2. On top of that, he wouldn't be cheap: £25m.

But Liverpool sent Barry Hunter to negotiate the deal recently. This is one they were keen to get done.

Other outlets have since verified the report, including Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany. Tzimas is one of the best up-and-coming forwards in Europe right now.

At least, that's how Liverpool see it. But they're not going to get him just yet.

Why Stefan Tzimas rejected Liverpool

Anfield Watch understands that Tzimas is now likely heading to Brighton instead of Liverpool. The forward has decided against moving to Anfield.

And you can probably guess the reason - first-team football. Liverpool just weren't able to guarantee the kind of game time Tzimas is after.

Brighton, however, can. They're obviously not as talented a side as the Reds, while striker Evan Ferguson is linked with a move away.

Essentially, Tzimas views the Seagulls as the better option for developing his career right now. Few Liverpool fans could begrudge him that, given Brighton's record of developing players in recent years.

And of course, this doesn't rule out Liverpool trying again down the line. Tzimas will be even more expensive, naturally, but you can expect the club to keep a keen eye on him if he does complete that move to Brighton.

So one that got away - but only for now.

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