Liverpool Unlikely to Sanction Andy Robertson Exit Amid Squad Concerns

Liverpool are unlikely to sell left-back Andy Robertson to Tottenham Hotspur before the transfer window closes, despite having considered a £5 million offer from Spurs for the experienced defender.

Robertson, who is out of contract in the summer, had been the subject of talks between the two clubs, with an agreement in principle reached last week that would have allowed the move to take place after Liverpool’s final Champions League league match on Wednesday. However, Liverpool have now determined they cannot proceed with the deal as things stand.

A key factor behind the decision is Liverpool’s inability to recall left-back Kostas Tsimikas from his loan spell at Roma. Without that option, Liverpool would be left short in defence, a concern that has been heightened by an injury to Joe Gomez. Gomez was forced off in the first half of Saturday’s Premier League defeat at Bournemouth.

It is understood Robertson himself was not pushing for a move away from Anfield, although the Scotland captain is keen to play more regularly ahead of this summer’s World Cup. The 31-year-old joined Liverpool from Hull City for £8 million in 2017 during the reign of Jurgen Klopp and has since made 364 appearances for the club.

During his time at Liverpool, Robertson has won nine major trophies, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League. However, under current head coach Arne Slot, he is no longer the first-choice left-back, with Milos Kerkez now the preferred option. Robertson came off the bench to replace Kerkez against Bournemouth but has started just four Premier League matches this season.

Following the defeat, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk made his stance clear, saying he wants Robertson to stay and describing him as a “very important” member of the squad.

Liverpool, the defending champions, currently sit sixth in the league, 14 points behind leaders Arsenal. They remain in a strong position to reach the Champions League last 16 and are set to face Brighton in the fourth round of the FA Cup next month. The transfer window closes on 2 February.