Kostas Tsimikas Contemplates Olympiacos Return Amid Uncertain Liverpool Future

Kostas Tsimikas, Liverpool’s Greek left-back, finds himself at a crossroads in his career, with a potential return to his former club Olympiacos on the horizon. Despite featuring prominently in pre-season matches against the likes of Real Betis, Arsenal, and Manchester United, Tsimikas has struggled to displace Andy Robertson in Liverpool’s starting lineup since the Scotsman’s return from injury. As the summer transfer window draws to a close, the 28-year-old is reportedly considering his options, with game time increasingly hard to come by at Anfield.

https://twitter.com/SteveKountourou/status/1826559405006930379

Tsimikas Seeking Regular Football

Tsimikas endured a challenging campaign last season, stepping in for Robertson across various competitions but failing to make the desired impact. His performances, while solid at times, did not elevate him to the level required to secure a regular starting spot. With Robertson now fully fit and reclaiming his position, Tsimikas faces an uphill battle for minutes on the pitch.

Greek football expert Stephen Kountourou has suggested that a return to Olympiacos on loan could be a viable solution for Tsimikas. “The Greek international does not seem to be in Arne Slot’s plans at Liverpool, and a loan back to his former club makes sense. He requires game time, and Olympiacos is looking for another left-back,” Kountourou tweeted recently. While there are no concrete links between the player and the Greek side as of yet, the possibility of a move appears to be gathering momentum.

Contract Situation and Potential Exit

Tsimikas signed a contract extension with Liverpool last summer, committing his future to the club until 2027. However, despite this long-term deal, it seems that Tsimikas may not be part of new manager Arne Slot’s plans for the upcoming season. With the transfer window nearing its end, Liverpool could entertain the idea of allowing Tsimikas to leave on loan, particularly if it provides the player with much-needed game time.

If a move does materialise, Liverpool could find themselves with limited options at left-back, especially if Robertson were to suffer another injury. The club has yet to show significant interest in reinforcing this area, which could leave them vulnerable if Tsimikas departs. Nevertheless, the player’s need for regular football might outweigh Liverpool’s concerns over squad depth.

Tsimikas’s Journey at Liverpool

Since joining Liverpool from Olympiacos in 2020, Tsimikas has experienced a mixed tenure at the club. His debut season saw limited opportunities, primarily serving as a backup to Robertson. However, in the 2021-22 season, he began to show glimpses of his potential, earning praise for his performances in the domestic cups and in the Premier League when called upon.

Last season, however, was less kind to Tsimikas. He found himself often on the bench, and when he did play, his performances were inconsistent. Joe Gomez was even preferred at left-back on occasions, particularly after Tsimikas suffered a broken collarbone that further hampered his progress. For a player of Tsimikas’s age and experience, sitting on the sidelines is far from ideal, and a move back to Greece could provide the platform for him to reignite his career.

The Path Forward

As Liverpool prepares for the new season under Arne Slot, Tsimikas must weigh his options carefully. Staying at Liverpool could see him continue in a supporting role, with limited opportunities to prove himself. On the other hand, a loan move to Olympiacos—or another club in need of an experienced left-back—could offer him the regular football he craves and the chance to rediscover his best form.

From Liverpool’s perspective, allowing Tsimikas to leave could be a calculated risk. The club would need to consider whether they have adequate cover for Robertson and if Tsimikas’s departure might force them into the transfer market late in the window. As of now, there has been little indication that Liverpool is actively seeking a replacement, which suggests that the club may be confident in their existing defensive options or are willing to trust in the versatility of players like Gomez.

Conclusion

Kostas Tsimikas’s future at Liverpool hangs in the balance as the transfer window nears its conclusion. With game time increasingly hard to come by and the prospect of a return to Olympiacos on the table, the Greek international faces a critical decision. Whether he remains at Anfield or seeks pastures new, the next few weeks could prove pivotal in shaping the trajectory of his career. For Liverpool, the potential loss of Tsimikas would present its own challenges, particularly in maintaining depth and quality in the left-back position.