Andy Robertson’s future at Liverpool has taken something of an unexpected twist, although the defender might be open to the idea of a move to Atletico Madrid after seeing two of his teammates’ success in Europe.
For the first time since he joined the club back in 2017, Robertson looks set to have a fight on his hands for his place in Liverpool’s team, with Arne Slot and Richard Hughes overhauling their title-winning squad for next season. Jeremie Frimpong is already in, Florian Wirtz is on his way, and Milos Kerkez looks set to be the next target.
The latter of those is expected to become Robertson’s long-term replacement at left-back, and after a season in which the Scotland international’s levels noticeably dropped, Kerkez is likely to instantly become first-choice, should he complete the move to Anfield as expected.
With just a year remaining on his contract, that has brought Robertson’s future into sharp focus, and it seems a move away from Anfield can’t be ruled out this summer.
Atletico is providing him with something of a surprise option, with Diego Simeone’s side said to have made Robertson one of their top targets as they too look to sign a new left-back.
British players making the move into mainland Europe is generally rare, although it’s a trend that has begun to grow in recent years, and Robertson has two pretty good examples to look at as he mulls over his future.
Scott McTominay talks to Andy Robertson
Andy Robertson could follow Scott McTominay's lead by moving away from the Premier League
Scotland teammates Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour have both become Serie A title winners after joining Napoli last summer, with the former even establishing himself as a firm fans’ favorite, having been the subject of much derision back at Manchester United.
That hasn’t gone unnoticed by Robertson, who feels his international teammates may have opened the door to more of his country’s stars to make the move away from the UK.
Asked about the benefits of playing abroad during the most recent international break, Robertson pointed to both McTominay and Gilmour as he said: "When these players play abroad they see a different way of playing and lifestyle. That can only help.
"Young lads coming through might now be thinking 'I want to go and try that'. That's credit to those lads stepping out of their comfort zone."
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A move to Atletico then might appeal to Robertson as he faces up to potentially becoming second-choice at Anfield. It’s a move that certainly helped Kieran Trippier and Conor Gallagher before him.
And according to Fabrizio Romano, the 31-year-old would be keen on the move to Spain, although there is a long way to go if Liverpool and Atletico are to reach a deal, with the latter said to want to sign Robertson for nothing.
It would be a tough choice to make for both Liverpool and Robertson, with pros and cons for him staying and leaving, but the left-back has already been given the blueprint on how to succeed away from the Premier League.