Liverpool's Premier League title hopes have taken a hit as the Reds have abruptly terminated discussions regarding a potential transfer for Scotland captain Andy Robertson. The 32-year-old left-back had been out of contract in the summer, but Liverpool decided to pull the plug on negotiations after weighing their options.
According to sources, the club's decision was influenced by Robertson's recent struggles at Anfield, where he has started just four of their 23 Premier League matches this season. His spot at left-back has come under threat from Milos Kerkez, who has been given more playing time since his introduction in the starting lineup.
However, it appears that Robertson's experience and quality have not gone unnoticed by Tottenham Hotspur, who made an approach late last week. Despite Liverpool recognizing their need for the Scotland international, they ultimately decided against pursuing a transfer, citing the lack of cover at left-back as a major concern.
The timing of the talks' collapse comes after injuries to key defenders Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni have dealt Liverpool a significant blow. The Reds are also still reeling from the loss of Joe Gomez in the first half at Bournemouth on Saturday, who was forced off with what is hoped to be a minor knee injury. Fellow centre-back Ibrahima Konaté has also been missing for two matches due to family bereavement.
Coach Arne Slot had expressed his desire to retain all of Liverpool's players who are in contention for the Champions League and FA Cup, suggesting that Robertson was not deemed essential to the team's immediate prospects. This decision may have significant implications for Robertson's future at Anfield, where he has established himself as a vital member of Jurgen Klopp's squad over the past eight years.
According to sources, the club's decision was influenced by Robertson's recent struggles at Anfield, where he has started just four of their 23 Premier League matches this season. His spot at left-back has come under threat from Milos Kerkez, who has been given more playing time since his introduction in the starting lineup.
However, it appears that Robertson's experience and quality have not gone unnoticed by Tottenham Hotspur, who made an approach late last week. Despite Liverpool recognizing their need for the Scotland international, they ultimately decided against pursuing a transfer, citing the lack of cover at left-back as a major concern.
The timing of the talks' collapse comes after injuries to key defenders Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni have dealt Liverpool a significant blow. The Reds are also still reeling from the loss of Joe Gomez in the first half at Bournemouth on Saturday, who was forced off with what is hoped to be a minor knee injury. Fellow centre-back Ibrahima Konaté has also been missing for two matches due to family bereavement.
Coach Arne Slot had expressed his desire to retain all of Liverpool's players who are in contention for the Champions League and FA Cup, suggesting that Robertson was not deemed essential to the team's immediate prospects. This decision may have significant implications for Robertson's future at Anfield, where he has established himself as a vital member of Jurgen Klopp's squad over the past eight years.
I feel like Liverpool just pulled the plug on Robertson at the worst possible time 
! They need him more than ever with all these injuries and whatnot 
. I mean, they're already struggling to fill that left-back spot and now they've lost their best man? 
It's gotta be tough for Robertson, who's always been a rock for them on the pitch 
. And what about Tottenham making a move? 
It seems like Liverpool just gave up on him without even exploring other options 
. I'm not surprised though - when you're in a season as intense as this, it's hard to keep everyone happy 
. Still, I think Robertson would've loved to stay at Anfield and finish out his career with the Reds 
!
. They're essentially saying no to Andy Robertson, who's been a rock for them on the pitch for ages. I get it, they need cover at left-back, but come on, Robertson is one of the best defenders in the league! 
. Will Liverpool regret letting him go? Only time will tell 
. I mean, they're already struggling with injuries and stuff, so if they don't have him, maybe that means they'll focus on keeping the other players who are healthy? It's not like Robertson is indispensable or anything... plus, Milos Kerkez has been looking pretty solid at left-back lately 
. And honestly, I think Robertson was getting a bit too comfortable anyway – 32 and still playing for Liverpool, isn't that a bit old for a left-back? 
. He's not getting as many starts as he used to, and that's gotta be a concern for the club. I'm a bit worried about Kerkez taking over his spot, but maybe he'll prove himself to be more reliable? 
. Still, I think they made the right decision, even if it was an unpopular one 
kerkez is great n all but no way should Robertson have to go 
️ 2 weeks ago i was reading an article about how much robertson cares about the fans at anfield he's always been super humble & dedicated 
hope this decision doesn't impact his future @liverpoolfc
. Robertson's been having an okay season, not that great, but he's still better than kerkez any day. and btw, what's with all the drama about injuries? it's just part of the game 
. I'm not saying the timing is good for Robertsons future at liverpool, but maybe this will give him a chance to prove himself elsewhere.
. He's going to have to wait and see what Tottenham are offering him now...
. The guy's been a rock at left-back and still got some gas left in him 
️, considering he's only 32. I get it, injuries have hit the squad hard and they need to prioritize the defense, but pulling out now? It's like they're saying Robertson's not wanted anymore 
. And what about Tottenham wanting him so badly? Liverpool must be crazy to pass on a player that valuable 
... I mean, he's been an ace left-back for them all these years 
.
22nd place isn't looking great, and they're gonna need all hands on deck to stay up 
. Termination of talks with Robertson could be a huge blow, but I guess it's hard to argue with Klopp's tactics 
4 starts out of 23 is not great, but at least Kerkez is getting some experience 
.
. Is he done in Liverpool or will he come back stronger? Only time will tell! 
. Injuries are always gonna happen, but you gotta think about the bigger picture & what's best for the club. Robertson's quality is undeniable, but it seems like Liverpool had their minds made up 
They need him at left-back, and without him it's like trying to fix a broken diagram 
️
. I'd have thought they'd be desperate to keep him, especially after what happened at Bournemouth 
. I mean, he's still an elite player and you'd think his experience would be worth more than just spot duty at Anfield, considering their left-back situation is a mess 
