Liverpool may already have Andy Robertson replacement lined up

Liverpool will lose a key player and leader within the locker room this summer when Andy Robertson moves on, but Arne Slot's side may already have a replacement lined up

Andy Robertson will leave Liverpool this summer(Image: Ryan Crockett/DeFodi via Getty Images)

Andy Robertson confirmed recently that he will be leaving Liverpool in the summer after losing his starting place to Milos Kerkez, a $54 million (£40 million) signing from Bournemouth, this season.

And as a result of the Scot moving on after nine years at the club, someone else will need to come in to take his place in the Liverpool roster — with one option potentially already on the books.

Kostas Tsimikas has been on loan at AS Roma this season, where he has played 24 times. The 29-year-old Greek has not been a regular in Italy and has only start five games in Serie A, but he has been a reliable enough back-up at Anfield before.

Under contract until 2027, Tsimikas has been told, according to the Daily Mail, that he is a part of Liverpool's plans for next season. And it makes sense that he could be turned to rather than a new signing.

Someone coming in would know that they would be playing second fiddle to Kerkez. That would not only be a difficult pitch, but also would require spending money in an area where substantial funds don't need to be splashed.

At his age, and with his career at Liverpool having generally seen him play a back-up role, Tsimikas is used to being in that position and would be more willing to fit into it than many.

Kostas Tsimikas served as an able deputy to Robertson for five years at Liverpool before his loan to Roma(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

For a season, at least, until his current contract expires, Tsimikas could be a good option. Beyond that, Liverpool might need to reassess its thinking in that position.

By that point, perhaps a potential new signing might have emerged, or young players like Luke Chambers or Calum Scanlon, who have impressed on loan in the Championship, might be ready to take the next step.

Alongside Robertson, Liverpool will also lose Mohamed Salah this summer. And Virgil van Dijk says that leadership within the locker room will have to be replaced.

"It's not an opportunity [for others to step up], it's a must," Van Dijk said recently. "It has to happen. There was always going to be a time when the oldies were going to leave.

"That's the time for others to step up and carry the torch and the values of the club forward by setting the right example. All good things come to an end eventually.

"When the leadership group is gone, then others have to step up. There is no other option. You have to feel that responsibility."

Liverpool.com says: The Reds will have a few things to do in the transfer market this summer, so bringing Tsimikas in to replace Robertson makes sense unless there is an unmissable opportunity that becomes available.

Robertson will leave a big gap in terms of leadership, but his starting role this term has been limited. Any potential signing to come in for him would be well aware of that being the case.