Andoni Iraola call could save Liverpool a fortune in transfer market

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Liverpool face a crucial left-back decision this summer as Kostas Tsimikas enters his final contract year, with Andoni Iraola's choice potentially saving the club millions in the transfer marketNew Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has some tough calls to make(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)Transfer activity is driven as much by necessity as it is by strategy, and Liverpool are no exception this summer.Last month's surprise swoop for Spain international Víctor Muñoz, triggered by activating his £34.5million release clause at Osasuna, was entirely understandable given that attacking options have been severely depleted by Mohamed Salah's departure, Hugo Ekitike's long-term injury, and the potential exit of Federico Chiesa.With Liverpool also seeking a right-winger — having already seen a bid rebuffed for Yan Diomande before it emerged the RB Leipzig teenager would favour a switch to Paris Saint-Germain — at least one further attacking reinforcement appears likely.Beyond that, however, the situation becomes considerably murkier. The Reds remain undecided over the right-back position as they continue to await Conor Bradley's return to full fitness following a serious injury, while remaining acutely aware of the difficulties experienced in that role last season.Although Jeremy Jacquet has now completed his £60m move from Rennes following a deal struck in January, Ibrahima Konaté's free transfer departure to Real Madrid has prompted widespread calls from supporters for additional centre-back recruitment, reports the Liverpool Echo.Midfield, too, remains an area of considerable interest, though Liverpool are unlikely to actively pursue signings unless one or more of their current senior players is offloaded.

Curtis Jones — entering the final 12 months of his contract — represents the most obvious candidate for sale, with Inter Milan, Nottingham Forest and Galatasaray amongst those reportedly keen.Kostas Tsimikas had an unsuccessful loan spell with Roma last season(Image: Getty Images)Then there's the matter of left-back. Andy Robertson confirmed in April that he wouldn't be extending his stay at Liverpool and would depart following nine years at the club this summer, having since put pen to paper with struggling Tottenham Hotspur.Former Reds head coach Arne Slot then confirmed plans to reintegrate Kostas Tsimikas — on a season-long loan at Roma — into the first-team squad as competition for Milos Kerkez.Given that new manager Andoni Iraola, who took over from the dismissed Slot last month, previously managed Kerkez at Bournemouth, the expectation remains that the Hungarian will once more begin the season as first choice.

But might circumstances have shifted for Tsimikas?The Greek international arrived at Liverpool six years ago as back-up to Robertson, accumulating 115 appearances - 72 from the start - before agreeing to a temporary switch to Roma. However, a disappointing spell in Italy saw him register just six Serie A starts, all of which came in a left wing-back role.Iraola will assess his squad during pre-season, with Tsimikas amongst the initial group set to report to the AXA Training Centre within the coming week.Tsimikas's predicament is further complicated by entering the final year of his contract, meaning this summer represents Liverpool's last opportunity to secure a reasonably substantial fee for the 30-year-old, whom they acquired for £11.75m from Olympiacos.Should Tsimikas remain content to once again compete for his place, Liverpool may opt to retain the experienced Greek and defer any left-back recruitment until next summer.