Liverpool’s summer rebuild has already shifted the balance of power on the left side of their defence.
Milos Kerkez, signed from Bournemouth for around £40m [$54m], has started both competitive games under Arne Slot, including their 4-2 Premier League opener against his old team at Anfield.
That decision left Andy Robertson on the bench, and Kostas Tsimikas out of the squad entirely, which raises serious questions on the Greece international’s future on Merseyside.
Tsimikas, who joined Liverpool from Olympiakos in August 2020 for £11m [$16m] has made 115 appearances across competitions but never displaced Robertson as first choice.
His involvement further dwindled last season, where he only featured in 29 games, with just 11 as a starter.
Arne Slot now has a decision to make, with Kerkez and Robertson clearly the two options for 2025/26, and Liverpool are prepared to sanction an exit.
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Fabrizio Romano reveals Liverpool’s star future
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on X: “Kostas Tsimikas exit, expected to accelerate as Liverpool could also be open to potential initial loan proposals.
“The left back is prepared to leave as Kerkez and Andy Robertson will be the LBs for Arne Slot.”
🚨 Kostas Tsimikas exit, expected to accelerate as Liverpool could also open to potential initial loan proposals.
The left back is prepared to leave as Kerkez and Andy Robertson will be the LBs for Arne Slot. pic.twitter.com/KycSz2HfO8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 17, 2025
Nottingham Forest and newly promoted Leeds United have expressed interest but neither have submitted a formal transfer bid at this stage.
Tsimikas is under contract until 2027, but Robertson’s deal expires next summer, leaving Liverpool cautious about closing the door entirely.
A loan would allow the club to revisit his role in 2026/27, if Robertson departs, and Tsimikas could come back in to challenge Kerkez.
With growing uncertainty over Robertson’s future status at Anfield, Slot will be cautious over how he handles Tsimikas, to avoid needing to sign another new defender in 2026.
For the moment, Slot is leaning on Kerkez to start matches while Robertson provides his experience, leaving Tsimikas on the verge of departure.
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