One year on from his move to Liverpool, left-back Kostas Tsimikas has been the subject of recent transfer speculation.
Tsimikas, 25, joined the Reds for £11.75m last summer but played just five minutes across two Premier League games last term.
The Greece international missed 18 games through injury and Covid in the 2020/21 season and his future at Anfield has come into question in recent weeks.
According to reports in Italy, Tsimikas has attracted attention from Napoli, who are rumoured to want the defender on loan.
Liverpool ’s stance is clear as Klopp’s plans for the former Olympiacos man have been revealed, with the boss wanting to ‘make more use of his squad’ this season.
An impressive pre-season has left Liverpool fans saying the same thing as they weigh in on the rumours.
“We need him,” one supporter tweeted. “Why would we let him go?”
Another said: “He’s good back up.”
Tsimikas is the Reds only direct replacement for Andy Robertson, who played all 38 league games last season.
@SportsEnthusi17 posted: “I think Kostas has a big season to be honest. He’s impressed in preseason and he’s had a lot of adaptation time now. The return of defensive structure and solidity also means he can be rotated in for Robertson more often. He’s a talented boy and he’ll get the chances to show it.”
@Kloppista_LFC shared: “Why would we loan out our backup left back after just one season? He’s having a great preseason as well! Can’t wait to see him get some good minutes this upcoming season.”
@lfc_amar said: “I think Tsimikas could be important for us at some point, especially with cup competitions and when Robertson gets tired. Robertson played practically every game last season, he was burned out, so hopefully Tsimikas can give him some competition, which he’s shown so far in preseason.
Tsimikas has featured heavily for the Reds throughout pre-season due to Robertson’s late arrival after Scotland’s Euro 2020 participation.
Liverpool continue their preparations in Evian this week before their Premier League season kicks off against Norwich on August 14.
