Liverpool moving closer to Kostas Tsimikas decision after latest - verdict
Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas should have moved closer to earning a new contract after another strong performance in the Champions League.
Andoni Iraola's side made hard work of Villarreal at Anfield on Tuesday as they ultimately ran out 4-3 winners in their latest Champions League clash.
The Reds were dominant on home turf, but individual mistakes and lapses of concentration meant they were forced to give their all to secure three vital points towards their league stage ranking.
Tsimikas has enjoyed a mini-revival under Iraola and his strong start to the season continued against Spanish opposition in midweek.
The Greek international is out of contract in June 2027, but must surely be as close as ever to being offered fresh terms as he genuinely competes with Milos Kerkez for Liverpool's left-back spot.
Tsimikas may have thought his Reds career was over this time last year after he was sent on loan to Roma, but he is now enjoying a new lease of life and is a leader in Iraola's squad.
Kostas Tsimikas shone in Villarreal win to bolster his contract prospects
Tsimikas was key to Liverpool's numerous cup triumphs under Jurgen Klopp in his first few seasons at the club, and also played his part in their Premier League success of 2024-25.
The 30-year-old was forced to leave for more game time last season as new arrival Kerkez and Andy Robertson fought for places in the side, but the latter left this summer to open up a spot for his return under Iraola.
Tsimikas registered his third assist in five appearances at the start of this campaign in the Reds' win over Villarreal on Tuesday, which is one more than Kerkez has provided since he joined the club in June 2025.
His delightful cross for Alexis Mac Allister to halve the early deficit was exactly the moment of magic that was needed to bring Liverpool back into the game as they eventually went on to win.
The 30-year-old left-back created the joint-most chances (4) and made more ball recoveries (10) of any player on the pitch, while his 10 passes into the final third were only bettered by Mac Allister.
He also won seven ground duels, was fouled twice and made 41 accurate passes on an wholly successful night from an individual standpoint.
Tsimikas is nearing the end of his current deal at Anfield, but if he carries on as is, he will surely be penning extended terms before long.
Who else is out of contract at Liverpool next summer?
Tsimikas' situation is not the only one that may need addressing before the season ends.
Virgil van Dijk is the biggest name to be approaching the end of his Reds deal next June, while fellow club legend Alisson is also out of contract.
Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo are, like Tsimikas, facing a campaign in which they must prove their worth to earn new deals beyond next summer.
Younger stars Luke Chambers and Harvey Davies are also set to leave in June 2027.