Kostas Tsimikas is yet to secure a move away from Liverpool, who are locked in talks with AS Roma as they seek a permanent deal for the third-choice left-back.
It could have been seen as a slip of the tongue from Arne Slot when he told reporters it would be “stupid” for Liverpool to have three right-backs.
The head coach soon corrected himself to acknowledge that there are currently three senior left-backs in his squad, with Tsimikas finding himself out of the picture following the signing of Milos Kerkez.
Kerkez has started all three of Liverpool’s games so far this season with Andy Robertson coming off the bench, while Tsimikas has been left out entirely.
Liverpool are open to offers for the Greek and it is AS Roma who have formalised their interest, but so far they are only looking to negotiate a loan.
According to Greek outlet Sportime – and corroborated by the Times‘ Paul Joyce – Liverpool are currently unwilling to accept a loan even with an option to buy included.
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)
Instead they are seeking a fee in the region of €10 million (£8.6m) to €15 million (£12.9m) for a player they signed for £11.75 million from Olympiakos five years ago.
Tsimikas is described as “absolutely positive” about joining Roma, despite Angelino already established as their first-choice left-back.
It is suggested that two more clubs have recently made contact over a deal for Liverpool’s No. 21, which could strengthen their hand as they push for a permanent sale.
For their part, Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Roma are prepared to wait until the very end of the transfer window to secure a move for the 29-year-old.
Further reports in Italy this week claimed Tsimikas has already agreed personal terms with the Serie A side, underlining his desire to join.
HONG KONG - Saturday, July 26, 2025: Liverpool's (L-R) Luis Díaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Darwin Núñez before the Hong Kong Football Festival 2025 pre-season match against AC Milan at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on Day Six of the club's Asia Tour. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool have again shown themselves to be resolute in negotiations over sales this summer, holding out for big fees for the likes of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Jarell Quansah, Ben Doak and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
But Tsimikas’ situation may be different given the proximity to the transfer deadline and the risk of retaining a third-choice left-back on a senior wage.
While the Greece international is not a top earner at Liverpool his salary will still be viewed as excessive with both Kerkez and Robertson also in the squad.
Whether that means Liverpool eventually relent and allow Tsimikas to leave on loan with Roma paying his wages remains to be seen, but it certainly seems possible.