‘I am not convinced’ – Roma boss casts doubt over Kostas Tsimikas loan future

Another Liverpool loanee could be heading back to Anfield in January, with doubts growing over Kostas Tsimikas’ future at AS Roma following comments from head coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

Tsimikas joined the Serie A side on loan from Liverpool in August in search of regular football, but his spell in Italy has failed to gain momentum and now appears increasingly uncertain.

Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini has publicly questioned the impact of his Premier League loan signings, including Tsimikas.

Speaking after Roma’s 2-1 defeat to Juventus, Gasperini said of striker Evan Ferguson: “I am not convinced.”

He then added pointedly: “It’s not just him.”

The comments have been interpreted in Italy as criticism not only of Ferguson, but also of Kostas Tsimikas and Leon Bailey, who are also on temporary deals from English clubs.

Tsimikas’ lack of involvement supports that assessment. The left-back has made 11 appearances in all competitions but has started just three Serie A matches.

He was an unused substitute against Juventus as Roma slipped to fourth place in an increasingly competitive title race. More concerning for the Greece international, he has fallen behind Angeliño and Devyne Rensch in the left-back pecking order.

Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Tsimikas has “performed poorly” and claims Gasperini “would gladly do without” him, describing the defender as “certainly on his way out” — should Liverpool allow it.

Whether Tsimikas can return to Liverpool in January depends on the structure of the loan agreement.

It remains unclear if Roma have a break clause. If not, Liverpool would need to secure another loan on similar terms before agreeing to terminate the current deal.

The situation echoes Harvey Elliott’s recent recall, raising the possibility of another early return for a Liverpool loanee under Arne Slot.

Tsimikas remains under contract at Liverpool until 2027 and has spoken openly about his affection for the club, having won four major trophies since arriving from Olympiacos in 2020.

Speaking previously to The Athletic, he said: “You never know. The most important thing for me is to be healthy, to train hard, to play more games. Next year is a different story for me.

“I miss the city. I lived there for five years. I love everything in Liverpool… I was the Greek Scouser and I always will be.”

With Liverpool having signed Milos Kerkez for £40m in the summer, Tsimikas’ long-term role remains unclear — but his immediate future may hinge on whether Roma are willing, or able, to cut his loan short.

January will be decisive for Tsimikas. If Roma push for an early exit, Liverpool must decide whether to reintegrate him, arrange another loan, or reassess his long-term future under Arne Slot.

Much will depend on squad needs, potential suitors, and whether Roma formalise their dissatisfaction. For now, the door to an Anfield return is open — even if the path remains uncertain.

Should Liverpool bring Tsimikas back — or line up another loan move in January?