Star returning to join Liverpool's first-team squad | OneFootball

Liverpool will welcome one star back to their first-team squad this season.

Liverpool's plans for the upcoming season are sort of underway. They don't actually have a head coach yet - fixing that problem is a big one.

Anfield Watch understands that Andoni Iraola will take over and reports certainly suggest that a deal is close. Appointing a coach is only one piece of the puzzle, though (a massive piece, admittedly).

Liverpool also have a fairly depleted squad after high-profile exits. Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson are all certainly leaving.

Replacing them is all-important and replacing them adequately. It seems that for one, Liverpool have already picked their man.

The Athletic reports that Kostas Tsimikas is to return for Liverpool's first-team squad, replacing Robertson as backup to Milos Kerkez. Tsimikas has been out on loan with AS Roma this season but struggled to make any sort of impact.

Liverpool are willing to have him back as a backup, however. We imagine this is largely because the Reds need a good number of players in other areas and having Tsimikas back eases the pressure on recruitment. Especially as this is for a backup role.

Kostas Tsimikas: Situation Summary

Roma Loan and Stats

As of 31 May 2026, Kostas Tsimikas has concluded a challenging domestic campaign away from Liverpool, spent on loan at Serie A side AS Roma. The 30-year-old Greek left-back endured a fragmented and largely frustrating season under Gian Piero Gasperini, struggling to establish himself as a regular starter. Tsimikas made 25 competitive appearances across all competitions—with only 11 of those coming as starts—and contributed a single assist as Gasperini frequently opted to deploy other tactical options out of position on the left flank ahead of him.

Anfield Return and Left-Back Vacancy

Despite the underwhelming stint in Italy, a major opportunity has emerged for Tsimikas back at Anfield. With long-serving full-back Andy Robertson officially departing Liverpool following a fitting send-off against Brentford, the Greek international is set to return to Merseyside with a determination to stay and fight for his place. While 2025 summer signing Milos Kerkez remains the primary choice, Tsimikas is eager to impress the incoming management and re-establish himself in the squad.