Kostas Tsimikas’ difficult loan spell at Roma suffered another blow on Sunday as he watched from the sidelines as Napoli came away from the Stadio Olimpico with three points in Serie A.
The defender, who joined Roma on loan in the final days of the summer transfer window, has struggled to hold down a regular spot in Gian Piero Gasperini’s side this season. Tsimikas has started just two league matches for Roma, the last of which came October 26, when he was replaced at half-time in the win over Sassuolo.
Tsimikas has managed just 16 minutes across the last five Serie A weekends, and has mainly played in the Europa League over recent weeks.
To compound matters, the on-loan Liverpool man saw two Manchester United players secure victory in Rome on Sunday.
Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund started for Napoli, with the latter on loan from Old Trafford, but is expected to sign a permanent deal this summer.
As for Tsimikas, it looks increasingly unlikely that Roma will not sanction a permanent move for the player at the end of his short-term deal in Italy.
Kostas Tsimikas
Kostas Tsimikas signed for Roma on a season-long loan in August (Image: Getty Images)
The Greek international was allowed to leave Liverpool as the summer arrival of Milos Kerkez relegated him to third-choice left-back.
It seems unlikely he could return to Liverpool, particularly with his contract at Anfield set to expire in 2027.
However, speaking in a recent interview with The Athletic, Tsimikas left the door open to a future role in Arne Slot’s squad.
“You never know [what will happen]. The most important thing for me is to be healthy, to train hard, to play more games,” said the 29-year-old.
Kostas Tsimikas
Tsimikas has struggled for game time since joining Roma (Image: Fabio Rossi, AS Roma via Getty Images)
“Next year is a different story for me. I want to be successful, I want to win things. Only God knows what will happen in the next year.
“I miss the city,” Tsimikas added on his time at Liverpool. “I lived there for five years. I love everything in Liverpool. They have a special part of my heart.
“The people are very kind, some of the kindest I’ve ever met in football. They’d always try to support the team, in good, in bad, they would always do their best to try to help you. I want everything for this club, because from day one, I was fully committed there.
“I was the Greek Scouser and I always will be, I’ll keep it for my whole life.”