Forgotten Liverpool man to fight for first team place after loan ends

Kostas Tsimikas hopes to stay at Liverpool and fight for his place, talkSPORT understands.

The Greek defender will return to Anfield this summer following a season-long loan spell with Roma.

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Tsimikas made 25 appearances for the Italian side in all competitions.

Liverpool had attempted to recall the left-back from his loan in January, but Roma could not find a replacement.

It resulted in Andy Robertson’s move to Tottenham Hotspur falling through.

However, the Scotland captain will now leave the Reds when his contract expires at the end of June.

Robertson has agreed to join Spurs after nine years with Liverpool.

His exit will leave Liverpool light on options at left-back, with Milos Kerkez their only other defender in the position.

As a result, Tsimikas is hopeful of remaining at the club beyond the end of the transfer window.

The 30-year-old has a year remaining on his Liverpool contract, having joined the club in 2020.

Tsimikas has since made 115 appearances, providing 18 assists.

He has also won five trophies with the Reds including the Premier League and FA Cup.

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Liverpool latest

Liverpool are also set to have a new head coach in charge next season.

Arne Slot departed the club on Saturday after two years in the dugout.

Despite winning the Premier League last term, his side could only finish fifth this season.

Slot oversaw 12 league defeats during their title defence as they finished the campaign 25 points adrift of champions Arsenal.

Andoni Iraola is expected to succeed the Dutchman after leaving Bournemouth.

Liverpool have planned talks with Iraola this weekend, with the Spaniard pausing negotiations with other clubs.

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Bayer Leverkusen and Crystal Palace had both been keen to appoint the former Cherries boss.

Iraola guided Bournemouth to European qualification for the first time in their history this season with a sixth-place finish.