Journalist: Liverpool set to receive greenlight over defender’s return

Liverpool face sudden left-back dilemma

Liverpool supporters are still processing the shock development that Andy Robertson is edging towards a January move to Tottenham Hotspur. The assumption had been that this window would pass quietly. Instead, a cornerstone of the recent era could be walking out of the door.

If Robertson leaves, Milos Kerkez becomes the only recognised senior left-back at the club. That is a thin margin for a side competing across multiple competitions, and it explains why attention has immediately turned towards Kostas Tsimikas and his loan spell at AS Roma.

AS Roma loan situation explained

Tsimikas joined Roma last summer seeking regular football, but things have not gone to plan. Under Gian Piero Gasperini he has struggled for consistent minutes, managing just 380 in Serie A so far. From Liverpool’s perspective, that makes the idea of recalling him logical rather than romantic.

Journalist David Lynch addressed the situation directly and his words offer some reassurance for nervous Reds.

“On the Andy Robertson situation: Any potential return for Kostas Tsimikas would need to be mutually agreed with AS Roma, but he has managed just 380 Serie A minutes so far,” the reporter said on X.

“On the surface, it doesn’t seem like they would be too reluctant to let him go.”

In short, Roma are unlikely to dig their heels in. For a club chasing European qualification, holding on to a fringe player makes little sense.

Kostas Tsimikas role at Anfield

Tsimikas remains a popular figure on Merseyside. He was part of the dressing room for five seasons and delivered key moments in cup competitions, including his penalty in the 2022 FA Cup final. Yet sentiment does not hide the reality that he was never at Robertson’s level.

As a short-term fix, his return would offer familiarity and depth, but not necessarily comfort. Slot’s system demands energy and reliability from full-backs, and Tsimikas has rarely convinced as more than a deputy.

Still, in the current market, realistic alternatives are limited. The club recently allowed academy left-back Luke Chambers to join Charlton, further narrowing options.

Transfer window options limited

A January signing for a back-up left-back looks improbable, especially with bigger priorities elsewhere in the squad. That leaves a simple equation. Either Robertson stays, or Tsimikas returns from AS Roma.

If Roma unexpectedly refuse to cancel the loan, Liverpool may be forced to delay Robertson’s exit. That scenario might even appeal to some supporters, who feel losing both depth and quality in one window is a step too far.

For now, the most likely outcome is Tsimikas boarding a flight back to Anfield, not as a headline signing, but as a familiar face filling an urgent gap. It is not glamorous, but in a title defence season, stability often matters more than ambition.