It looks increasingly likely that Kostas Tsimikas’ Liverpool career is coming to an end.
According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Liverpool have no plans to renew the Greek international’s contract, which expires at the end of the season, with Andoni Iraola reportedly unimpressed by his performances.
And I have to say, I am not particularly surprised.
I’ve been saying for some time that Tsimikas isn’t good enough to be Liverpool’s long-term solution at left-back. He has had opportunities to establish himself, but too often his performances have left me wanting more.
If Iraola has reached the same conclusion, then Liverpool need to start planning for the summer now.
Iraola has apparently seen enough
Tsimikas returned to Liverpool last summer following his loan spell at Roma, with Andy Robertson departing and an opportunity opening up to provide competition and cover for Milos Kerkez.
It was a chance for the 30-year-old to demonstrate that he still had an important role to play at Anfield.
However, according to Football Insider, his performances have failed to convince Iraola.
The report claims there have been no contract extension talks and Liverpool are now preparing for the possibility of him leaving on a free transfer next summer.
Tsimikas has made nine appearances in all competitions this season and registered three assists, so he hasn’t contributed nothing going forward.
But being a Liverpool defender requires more than occasionally producing a decent delivery. You need consistency, defensive awareness and the ability to cope with the demands of playing for a club competing at the highest level.
That is where I believe Tsimikas has fallen short.
Liverpool need to sort out the left-back position
The bigger issue is that Tsimikas isn’t the only question mark at left-back.
Kerkez has also struggled for consistency since arriving at Anfield. There is a talented player in there, and I still believe Iraola can get much more out of him, particularly given their previous working relationship at Bournemouth.
But Liverpool cannot simply assume everything will be fine.
If Tsimikas leaves, the club need another reliable option who can challenge Kerkez for the starting position rather than just provide occasional cover.
I would much rather see Liverpool recruit a genuinely high-quality left-back than keep relying on players who have failed to convince.
We have already seen how important a strong full-back can be to the way Liverpool play. It is a position that needs proper attention.
Could Luke Chambers get an opportunity?
There is also the possibility of giving Luke Chambers more opportunities.
The young defender has been around the first-team squad and has impressed during previous opportunities to show what he can do.
I would certainly like to see him given a chance when the circumstances allow.
However, I wouldn’t put the responsibility for solving Liverpool’s left-back problem entirely on a young player. He needs opportunities to develop, but the club still need to recruit quality and experience.
Competition is essential, and nobody should be guaranteed a starting place.
My verdict: Time for Liverpool to move on
I appreciate what Tsimikas has contributed during his time at Liverpool. He has been part of successful squads and has had some memorable moments in a red shirt.
But football is about making decisions at the right time.
If Iraola doesn’t believe he is good enough to take Liverpool forward, there is little point offering him another contract simply for the sake of keeping a familiar face around the squad.
The club need to be ruthless when it comes to improving the team.
I have been calling for a new left-back for a while, and this latest report suggests Liverpool are finally preparing to make that move.
Letting Tsimikas leave would be one decision. Replacing him with someone genuinely good enough to improve Liverpool is the important one.
And while Kerkez deserves time to find his best form, he needs competition rather than another season of uncertainty at left-back.
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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