Liverpool face a significant decision on the future of left-back Kostas Tsimikas, who is among the first players to report for pre-season under new head coach Andoni Iraola. The Greek international, signed for £11.75 million from Olympiacos six years ago, has entered the final year of his contract, forcing the club to weigh selling him this summer against retaining him as cover for first-choice Milos Kerkez.
Transfer context and squad priorities
Liverpool's summer transfer business is driven by necessity as much as design. The surprise £34.5 million move for Spain international Victor Munoz, triggered by his release clause at Osasuna, addressed forward gaps created by Mohamed Salah's exit, Hugo Ekitike's long-term injury, and Federico Chiesa's potential departure. The Reds remain in the market for a right-winger after a bid for Yan Diomande was rejected, with the RB Leipzig teenager preferring Paris Saint-Germain.
Beyond attack, the picture is less clear. Right-back remains under debate as Conor Bradley recovers from serious injury. Jeremy Jacquet arrived from Rennes for £60 million in January, but Ibrahima Konate's free transfer to Real Madrid has sparked calls for further centre-back reinforcement. Midfield additions are unlikely unless players are sold, with Curtis Jones—in his final contract year—attracting interest from Inter Milan, Nottingham Forest, and Galatasaray.
Tsimikas' loan spell and current status
Tsimikas spent last season on loan at Roma, making only six Serie A starts, all as a left wing-back. He previously made 115 appearances for Liverpool (72 starts) as understudy to Andy Robertson, who confirmed in April he would leave this summer and subsequently signed for Tottenham Hotspur. Former head coach Arne Slot planned to reintegrate Tsimikas as competition for Kerkez, but Slot was sacked and replaced by Iraola last month.
Iraola, who worked with Kerkez at Bournemouth, is expected to continue with the Hungarian as first choice. Tsimikas will now be assessed during pre-season, with the first batch of players convening at the AXA Training Centre this week.
Contract situation and potential outcomes
With Tsimikas in the last year of his contract, this summer represents Liverpool's final chance to command a decent fee for the 30-year-old. The club must decide whether to keep him as an experienced backup or sell him to fund a younger, long-term rival for Kerkez. According to sources, if Tsimikas is content to compete for his place, Liverpool may delay a new left-back signing until next summer. Alternatively, a sale could facilitate an immediate purchase.
The decision looms before the transfer window closes on September 1, with both player and club needing to resolve the situation. Iraola will run the rule over his squad in the coming weeks, and Tsimikas' role will be a key part of that assessment.
