Liverpool may be forced into making a tough decision this summer due to a restricted squad quota and increasing uncertainty at left-back.
David Ornstein, writing in The Athletic, reports that the club is under pressure to comply with the Premier League’s cap of 17 non-homegrown players. This constraint is pushing Liverpool toward potentially parting ways with key figures, with Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas among those most at risk.
The recent £40 million signing of Milos Kerkez has intensified competition at left-back, further complicating matters for Robertson and Tsimikas. With Arne Slot favoring a smaller squad and the ability to call on under-21 players, the squeeze on senior roles is even tighter.
Ornstein explains that, due to the squad limits, at least one current player may miss out entirely. Alongside Robertson and Tsimikas, names like Federico Chiesa and Darwin Núñez are also mentioned as possible departures to resolve the imbalance.
Robertson’s future remains uncertain. Though he was previously linked with Atletico Madrid, that move appears to have collapsed, with the Spanish side expected to sign Matteo Ruggeri from Atalanta instead. The Scottish left-back, currently on holiday, has one year left on his contract and is reportedly considering his options while waiting for new interest.
Tsimikas, on the other hand, is in a state of limbo. The 30-year-old is eager for more game time but reluctant to leave a club he deeply admires—unless a compelling offer comes in. He’s expressed a strong desire to stay and compete, while Robertson is weighing whether to fight for his place or move on.
Liverpool’s decision at left-back—whether to retain Tsimikas as backup or rely on Robertson to challenge Kerkez—could have a significant impact on the club’s remaining summer transfer activity.
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