adminLiverpool had appeared ready to approve the departure of one of their most experienced players, but that move now looks set to stall.
Andy Robertson is increasingly unlikely to complete a January switch from Liverpool to Tottenham Hotspur, despite the two Premier League clubs having reached a provisional agreement on a £5 million deal. The Scotland captain is eager for consistent game time in the run-up to the World Cup in Canada, the United States and Mexico this summer, where he is expected to lead his national side.
Interest from Spurs emerged late last week, with Robertson entering the final months of his Liverpool contract, which expires in June. With no extension close to being agreed, Tottenham saw an opportunity to secure a cut-price deal for one of Liverpool’s modern greats.
Since arriving from Hull City for just £8m in 2017, Robertson has made 364 appearances for the Reds and collected nine major honours, including two Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph — notably against Spurs in the 2019 final.
BBC Sport reported that the clubs had agreed terms in principle, with Robertson free to complete the move following Liverpool’s Champions League fixture against Qarabag FK on Wednesday night. However, developments since then have cast serious doubt over the transfer.
The proposed deal depended on Liverpool being able to recall Kostas Tsimikas from his season-long loan at Roma. Talks with the Serie A club have so far failed to produce an agreement, with Roma also needing time to find a replacement should the Greek international return early to Anfield.
Speaking after Liverpool’s defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, Virgil van Dijk underlined Robertson’s importance to the squad.
“He’s my vice-captain,” the defender said. “Robbo is a vital part of this team. I want him to stay, but we’ll see what happens.”
Head coach Arne Slot was equally guarded when questioned about the situation.
“What do you think my answer will be?” Slot replied. “I never discuss transfers publicly. It’s always the same answer, even if it sounds boring.”
With Joe Gomez potentially sidelined through injury, Slot has stressed the need to retain his current options.
“I think I need all my players,” he explained. “Robbo had to come on at half-time. I knew Milos Kerkez couldn’t manage another 90 minutes against such an intense Bournemouth side, so I planned the change to keep Milos fit for the rest of the season.
“There are a lot of matches still to come, and squad management is crucial. The last thing we need right now is another injury.”
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