Kostas Tsimikas has spent the first half of the season on loan from Liverpool at Roma. But there's interest in bringing him back to the Premier League ahead of schedule
16:21, 21 Jan 2026
Kostas Tsimikas of AS Roma celebrates at the end of the Serie A football match between Torino Fc and AS Roma. As Roma wins 2-0 over Torino Fc.
On-loan Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas could be making an expedited return to the Premier League(Image: Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)
On-loan Liverpool left-back Kostas Tsimikas could be in line for a premature return to the Premier League. With a little under two weeks to go in the transfer window, machinations have begun to extract him from his spell in Rome.
Tsimikas was allowed to leave Anfield on a temporary basis last summer, following the arrival of Milos Kerkez. The Hungarian has been deputized by the more than able Andy Robertson.
It hasn't all been plain sailing for Kerkez, with Jamie Carragher dubbing him the full-back equivalent of the erratic Darwin Nunez. Nevertheless, Tsimikas is still considered surplus to requirements at Liverpool for the time being, but Nottingham Forest is showing an interest in bringing him back to England.
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According to The Athletic, the Italian side would be receptive to letting Tsimikas leave, provided it can source a replacement before the end of the January transfer window. The Greece international has made just four Serie A starts this season, appearing as a substitute a further seven times.
Tsimikas has provided a single assist, which came early in the Europa League campaign. But long-time Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini has preferred Wesley Franca (and occasionally veteran Stephan El Shaarawy) as the wing-back in his back-three shape.
Liverpool.com understands that Nottingham Forest's interest in Tsimikas dates back to the summer. The Reds were reluctant to sanction a loan, preferring a permanent sale, but ultimately signed off on the temporary switch to Roma in the closing stages of the transfer window.
Since then, there have been two new managers at the City Ground, but it seems Greek owner Evangelos Marinakis would still be interested in bringing his compatriot to Forest. Oleksandr Zinchenko's loan has not worked out, and it's anticipated that he will return to Arsenal before heading out to Ajax.
Oleksandr Zinchenko of Nottingham Forest is challenged by James Garner of Everton during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Everton at City Ground on December 30, 2025 in Nottingham, England.
Oleksandr Zinchenko has played a bit-part role on loan at Nottingham Forest, and could be replaced by Tsimikas(Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, attack-minded 22-year-old left-back Cuiabano could be in line for a loan away from the East Midlands. One of a quartet that Nottingham Forest signed from Botafogo last summer, there are question marks over how he will suit Dyche's style compared to that of Nuno Espirito Santo.
It's as yet unclear whether Forest would be targeting a loan or a permanent move for Tsimikas. But provided the Roma deal is terminated, he will be able to join another club unencumbered, having not featured for Liverpool this season prior to making the move.
That makes his situation different from that of Harvey Elliott, who is having a torrid time at Aston Villa. Should that loan be terminated, he would only be able to move to a league that does not operate on an August-May schedule (e.g., MLS), having already represented two clubs in a single campaign.
Harvey Elliott of Aston Villa warms up ahead of the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 19, 2025 in London, England.
Harvey Elliott has played for both Liverpool and Aston Villa this season, limiting his options(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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Tsimikas' highlight in a Liverpool jersey to date was undoubtedly the winning penalty in the 2022 FA Cup final against Chelsea. He has also lifted the Premier League and two League Cup titles with the Reds.
He established himself as a reliable backup to Robertson under Jurgen Klopp, after joining from Olympiacos in 2020. Interestingly, it was Marinakis who brought Tsimikas to the Greek club in the first place, so he knows him well.
At 29, the defender will be keen to find regular football again soon. A move to Nottingham Forest would place him in competition with another former Liverpool full-back in Neco Williams.