Key Takeaways:
- Kostas Tsimikas will rejoin Liverpool after completing his loan at Roma this season
- Andy Robertson’s departure has created a vacancy at left-back, expected to be filled by Tsimikas
- Hugo Ekitike suffered a significant injury in Liverpool’s Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain, ruling him out for approximately nine months
Tsimikas Set for Anfield Comeback
Arne Slot has confirmed that Kostas Tsimikas will be incorporated back into the Liverpool squad once his loan at Roma concludes. Tsimikas departed late in the previous summer transfer window, following the club’s acquisition of Milos Kerkez. With Andy Robertson now announcing his exit from Liverpool, the route is clear for Tsimikas to resume his duties as deputy left-back.
Slot has confirmed that “Kostas is coming back”.
It now seems to be official that Kostas Tsimikas will be Liverpool’s back up left back next season, and a new left back will not be signed. pic.twitter.com/u00a6PQHV0
— Anfield Edition | æ (@AnfieldEdition) April 17, 2026
Transfer Market Plans and Ongoing Uncertainties
Addressing the media before Liverpool’s clash with Everton, Slot commented on squad planning: “Last year we made quite a lot of signings and that’s why we traded that much. In four windows had net spend of £150m. That says what kind of club we are. We know we are changing at least two players, but Kostas is coming back.”
Slot also outlined the club’s ongoing transfer considerations, highlighting several issues yet to be finalised as the summer window approaches. He explained: “First aim is to see how we react in position of Mo [Salah] whether we want to replace with similar player or do that differently. At this moment of time there’s not a chance of a lot of players leaving. Of course, there’s Konate’s contract situation. There might not be a need to train a lot if you don’t need to bring a lot of players in.”
Injury Blows and Attacking Depth
Liverpool’s summer was further complicated after Hugo Ekitike sustained a severe injury during the Champions League defeat against Paris Saint-Germain. The French striker, who joined in the summer, now faces approximately nine months out of action, increasing pressure on Alexander Isak. Isak, signed in the same window, has himself struggled with injuries since arriving at Anfield.
On the situation up front, Slot remarked: “It’s a good thing we signed two number nines. Lots of people were debating why we signed two, now it looks like a good (idea), now people are saying we should sign another in the summer.”
He continued: “Someone said to me the day after that you cannot write the script that on the day Alex is back on first start the other leaves pitch with a long-term injury. Even more of a good thing that Alex is back but it wouldn’t be the first time I didn’t have someone available in a certain position, such as right-back. Alex, we know is not ready to play 90 yet.”
Liverpool Summer Squad Movements and Challenges
| Player | Position | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kostas Tsimikas | Left-back | Returning from loan | Will rejoin after loan at Roma |
| Andy Robertson | Left-back | Exiting | Departure creates squad opening |
| Hugo Ekitike | Forward | Injured | Ruled out for approx. nine months |
| Alexander Isak | Forward | Available (not fully fit) | Recently returned, not ready for full 90 minutes |
| Ibrahima Konate | Defender | Contract expiring | Future under consideration |
