Left-back Kostas Tsimikas has dropped a massive hint over his Liverpool future on social media ahead of a crucial pre-season under Andoni Iraola.
One familiar face is determined to block his exit route. Left-back Kostas Tsimikas is targeting the 2026/27 season pre-season as the defining period to force his way back into the Liverpool first-team squad.
The Greek Scouser might just write an unexpected final chapter at Anfield.
After a season away on loan the 29-year-old left-back is hinting at a major pre-season work step-up. Crucially, the Greek international believes he is part of the club’s plans for next season, especially with long-serving left-back Andy Robertson having officially left Anfield to join Tottenham Hotspur upon the expiration of his contract.
The left-back shakeup
The landscape at left-back has shifted drastically over the last twelve months. The 20 times Premier League Champions added Milos Kerkez to their ranks last summer after winning the league with a view to taking over from Robertson as the first-choice left-back. That marquee signing essentially left no room for Tsimikas and resulted the Greek going out on loan to Serie A.
The Greek defender subsequently joined Roma on loan for the season. It was a turbulent campaign, and Tsimikas was even linked with a mid-season return to Anfield in January when it emerged that Tottenham were close to reaching an agreement for Robertson. Liverpool had looked into recalling Tsimikas, but the Italian side were reluctant to terminate his loan as they struggled to find a replacement.
Ultimately, Tsimikas stayed in Italy, where he played 25 times for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side. However, he only started 11 games and went unused in three of the last four, amassing only 1,038 minutes. With Roma not intending to negotiate a permanent transfer, Tsimikas will instead rejoin the Reds this summer.
A new era under Iraola
While many fans are looking forward to a fresh start, Tsimikas faces a unique challenge. A number of players could view pre-season as a big opportunity due to many first-choice starters being away at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, it is not so straightforward for Tsimikas as Hungary failed to qualify for the tournament, meaning Kerkez will report to day one of preparations.
Yet, Andoni Iraola’s appointment could hand him the fresh start he desperately needs.
He took to social media and posted an instagram story of a running track proves he possesses the exact hunger needed to fight for his place. He holds a unique value in a dressing room that has lost monumental leaders this summer following the high-profile departures of both Robertson and Mohamed Salah.
In Slot’s debut campaign though he managed 1,675 minutes a tally Robertson only surpassed after a late-season start against Fulham (1,680). The defender actually played more than 1,700 minutes for the Reds in their title-winning campaign under Slot before falling out of favour.
While some fans question his overall quality due to his failure to permanently replace Robertson in years past, keeping him makes immense sense. From a fan’s perspective, it’s hard not to root for the “Greek Scouser.” His FA Cup-winning penalty and embrace of the city’s culture makes him a deeply likeable figure among the supporters.
Iraola is renowned for nurturing talent, but Tsimikas versatility could be his secret weapon he was used at both left-back and centre-back prior to his Roma move. With his contract set to expire in 2027, this summer is viewed as his last chance to secure a future at Liverpool.