Roma Eyeing Matteo Ruggeri As Kostas Tsimikas To Liverpool Return Talks Confirmed
Roma could be sending Kostas Tsimikas back to Liverpool in the January transfer window.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 26 January 2026
Matteo Ruggeri has become a target for Roma as they plan for Liverpool loanee Kostas Tsimikas to return to Anfield.
Giallorossi director Frederic Massara has confirmed there is “dialogue” with Liverpool about Tsimikas returning to Merseyside before the window shuts.
Tsimikas’ loan spell at Roma has not been particularly fruitful, while Andrew Robertson’s Liverpool future remains uncertain.
Matteo Ruggeri could replace Kostas Tsimikas at Roma
Matteo Ruggeri has been identified as a potential January transfer target for Roma, according to Romapress.
Ruggeri previously played under Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta, and the report says the 23-year-old would welcome a reunion.
The biggest issue is the deal structure, with Roma apparently seeking a loan with an option to buy.
Atletico, however, are described as wanting an obligation to buy, and they would also need to line up a replacement first.
Ruggeri is a technically proficient left wing-back known for his strong crossing, defensive work rate, and progressive passing.
A product of Gasperini’s demanding system, he excels in one-on-one situations and is adept at driving forward with the ball.
What Frederic Massara has said about Kostas Tsimikas to Liverpool speculation
Roma director Frederic Massara has confirmed that the Giallorossi are discussing the return of Kostas Tsimikas to Liverpool.
Along with Matteo Ruggeri, Al-Shabab’s Yannick Carrasco and Nicolo Fortini at Fiorentina have also been linked as potential replacements.
“They are all situations that are evolving,” Massara told DAZN Italia.
🚨🇬🇷 AS Roma have already agreed to let Kostas Tsimikas leave the club and return to Liverpool next week.
“It’s true, we are in talks with #LFC about that”, says director Ricky Massara. pic.twitter.com/Z9NguFvJoQ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 25, 2026
“We are in a dialogue with Liverpool and we’ll see how that evolves over the next few days.
“Carrasco is a talented player, but in January it is never easy to do deals.
“We have a week left to see if there are any solutions that can truly strengthen the squad, which is already competitive.”
Roma have been very active in the January transfer window, with Donyell Malen and Robinio Vaz joining the Italian capital club.
Lorenzo Venturino has joined Roma too, arriving from Genoa on loan.
Meanwhile, Leon Bailey has returned to Aston Villa from his Roma loan, while Tommaso Baldanzi has been loaned out to Genoa.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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