Kostas Tsimikas did not make the trip for Liverpool’s clash with Crystal Palace in the Community Shield due to growing interest in a permanent transfer.
Tsimikas was not among the 21 players to travel to Wembley for the Community Shield, with the left-back finding himself third in the pecking order.
Milos Kerkez took his place in Arne Slot‘s starting lineup while Andy Robertson provides cover for both his natural position and as a third centre-back option.
This Is Anfield understands Tsimikas’ absence comes with widespread interest in a transfer, including from Premier League side Nottingham Forest.
Forest have made their interest known to Liverpool, while the likes of Leeds, Valencia and Lille have also been linked this summer.
Liverpool will consider permanent offers for their No. 21, who marked five years with the club on Sunday.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 4, 2025: Liverpool's Kostas Tsimikas during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Tsimikas stayed on Merseyside while his teammates made the trip to London, with Ryan Gravenberch also not travelling due to the birth of his daughter.
The Greek shared a photo from inside the 4 Corner Combat And Fitness Gym in Fazakerley on Sunday morning, as he continues to build up his fitness away from the squad.
Speaking in June, Tsimikas admitted there was a “temptation to play more” elsewhere, but added that “the 27 to 29 games I play every year in all competitions are more than playing 40 for another team and in another league.”
“Here I am on the Broadway of football,” he told Greek outlet Sport 24.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 25, 2025: Liverpool's Kostas Tsimikas with the trophy, as the team celebrate becoming Champions for the 20th time, after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“I’m happy here, for five years I’ve always been happy with these players I had by my side and with the jersey I wore.
“It’s very difficult to reach such a level, to play in 27 games in a season with a Liverpool shirt.
“If you think about it, not all players play 50 games, some play 50, others 10, others play five. I think 27 games I played on average over the last four years is a good number.
“I would definitely like to play more, but from then on in this league, with this team I was always happy and I always gave my best, so I was OK with the games I played.”