Kostas Tsimikas set to leave Liverpool for Roma loan after falling behind Reds team-mates Milos Kerkez and Andy Robertson in left-back pecking order

Liverpool v Athletic Club Bilbao - Pre-Season Friendly

Liverpool left-back Kostas Tsimikas is set to join AS Roma on a season-long loan pending a medical in a bid for more game time.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Fabrizio Romano reports that Roma will cover the Greece international's full wage after the player pushed for a move to the Italian capital. The 29-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Anfield after the summer acquisition of Kerkez from Bournemouth.

🚨🟡🔴 Kostas Tsimikas to AS Roma, here we go! Loan deal agreed with Liverpool as he’s been authorized for travel and medical tests.AS Roma will cover his salary until June as Tsimikas really wanted the move. pic.twitter.com/jcnryvCwQk

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Liverpool reportedly preferred a permanent move away for Tsimikas but struggled to find a suitor to meet their €10m price tag. With the Italian club willing to pay his £75,000 per week salary, a loan deal was struck between the two parties. Tsimikas has been given permission to travel to Rome and will undergo a medical in the coming days.

DID YOU KNOW?

Tsimikas has proven to be a valuable squad member for Liverpool since joining from Olympiacos in the summer of 2020 for £11.75m. The Greek defender has ably stepped in for Robertson when called upon, playing 115 games for the Reds over the past five seasons. During his time on Merseyside, he has won a Premier League, an FA Cup and two Carabao Cups. Should return from his loan deal, he will have one year left on his contract with the Reds.

Liverpool FC v AC Milan Pre-Season Friendly

WHAT NEXT FOR TSIMIKAS?

The deal will not be finalised in time for Tsimikas to make his debut before the international break. He could make his first appearance for Roma in their tilt against Torino on September 14.