Kostas Tsimikas’ Liverpool future has been questioned since the start of the summer transfer window.
For the vast majority of the summer, it was clear that Milos Kerkez would be arriving at Anfield to challenge Andy Robertson for the starting left-back spot in Arne Slot’s first-team squad.
Indeed, there were some rumours that Robertson was of interest to Atletico Madrid, meaning that Tsimikas would be the one to stay, but in the end, nothing came to fruition.
Andy Robertson laughs as he warms up ahead of Liverpool's Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium
Photo by Alex Pantling – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
And, now that there are three senior left-backs at the club, one needs to be moved on, and, with the Scotsman’s contract set to run out at the end of the 2025-26 campaign, it’s clear that the Greek Scouser will be the one to exit.
Tsimikas is an impressive player and, when called upon by Liverpool, he’s always performed to a high standard.
However, seeing as though Kerkez is far younger at just 21 years old, he has a much higher ceiling than the Greece international and, even though his performances in the Reds’ first two games of the season haven’t been great, he’s still getting settled into his new surroundings.
And now, as per a report from The Athletic’s James Pearce, it seems like the left-back has decided what sort of club he wants to be playing for this season.
The report outlines that Tsimikas is ‘expected to leave’ before the deadline, with the Reds now having three left-backs among their ranks.
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However, the Greek Scouser wants to ‘join a club which can offer ‘European football’ and now, he is ‘more likely’ to move abroad than he is to stay in the Premier League.
Liverpool may end up regretting allowing Kostas Tsimikas to leave permanently
Although Pearce doesn’t outline whether Tsimikas’ exit will be permanent or not, it feels like Slot would be making a massive mistake if he only sold him for a few million this summer.
The left-back is still a Premier League-quality player, and although he’d prefer to play abroad, he could still put in a solid shift for a top-flight side.
As mentioned, Robertson’s contract is set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 campaign and, with no extension in sight, the Reds will be down a left-back going into the 2026-27 season.
This means that even more money would have to be spent on their back four, that is, unless Tsimikas comes in for a season as Kerkez’s back-up.
Kostas Tsimikas in action for Liverpool during the pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Not only is this why a loan move makes much more sense, but it would also allow the Greece international to prove his worth, rather than being in the shadow of his teammates all the time.
Of course, only time will tell what the future has in store, but for now, a loan move feels like it makes much more sense than a permanent transfer away from Anfield.