Joyce’s evaluation of Tsimikas highlights a growing dilemma for Liverpool.

Liverpool’s squad planning is becoming increasingly stark, and a familiar figure now finds himself at the heart of an awkward left-back conundrum.
That is the clear message from Paul Joyce of The Times, who has outlined how several contract situations are colliding as the season moves into its latter stages.
One of those situations involves Kostas Tsimikas.
The Greek international is set to return to Anfield this summer after his loan spell at Roma, but Joyce makes it clear that his return does little to address Liverpool’s longer-term concerns. As he explains, Tsimikas could serve as cover for Milos Kerkez should Andy Robertson leave when his contract expires in five months — but that scenario offers no lasting solution.
That single observation says plenty about Liverpool’s direction.
Why Tsimikas only fits in the short term
On paper, the 29-year-old represents a familiar and low-risk option.
He understands the club, knows the standards expected, and has proven reliable when called upon in the past. Yet his loan spell in Italy has done little to strengthen his standing.
Reports from Serie A suggest Tsimikas has failed to fully impress, with limited league minutes and Roma unlikely to pursue a permanent move.
That context matters when assessing his prospects back at Anfield. Joyce places this within a wider attempt by Liverpool to avoid being “plunged into one summer of transition,” let alone consecutive upheavals.
If Robertson does depart at the end of his deal, Liverpool’s left-back options would be reduced to Kerkez and a returning loanee whose own contract runs until 2027.
A wider contract issue at Liverpool
Tsimikas’ situation is symptomatic of a broader problem.
Joyce points to uncertainty surrounding several key players, including Ibou Konate, Robertson and Mo Salah, with multiple senior figures approaching decisive contract moments.
Robertson has already stated he wants to remain at Liverpool — but only if he continues to play regularly — a remark that highlights the growing pressure around selection and succession planning.
Kerkez’s rise has clearly altered the pecking order. He started against Burnley, Robertson was again left on the bench, and Tsimikas was nowhere near the picture — a telling snapshot of how things have shifted.
Looking ahead, it is difficult to see all three remaining part of the squad beyond next season.
Joyce’s verdict is blunt: “There are a lot of questions, some of which could be expensive to answer.”
While Tsimikas may still have a role to play, current signs suggest he is viewed more as a stopgap than a central piece of Liverpool’s future plans.