Diego Simeone has played down Atletico Madrid’s need to strengthen at left-back despite links emerging of a possible move for Andy Robertson.
Reports on Saturday claimed the Scotland captain is a prime target for Atletico, who is currently involved in the revamped Club World Cup in the United States. A 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain was not what Simeone had in mind for the team’s opening game.
PSG’s attacking right wing of Achraf Hakimi and Desire Doue has caused plenty of sides problems this season, but the regularity at which Atletico was torn open by the pair was cause for real concern.
Javi Galan started at left-back and was replaced by Reinildo Mandava just after the hour. The latter was booked less than two minutes after his introduction for a strong tackle on Doue.
But asked post-match whether the left flank was an issue, the Atletico manager replied: “No, we are doing very well.”
It’s perhaps unwise to read too much into Simeone’s comments, with the Argentinian unlikely to criticize his players after the game. But there was certainly no subtle hints provided that left-back is an area he needs to address.
Andy Robertson has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid this summer
Andy Robertson has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid this summer (Image: Getty Images)
Meanwhile, European soccer expert Kevin Hatchard has explained to Sky Sports why he feels Simeone would “love” to have Robertson at Atletico.
He said: “Absolutely, I could [see Robertson at Atletico]. Make a left-back in a lab for Simeone and you’d come out with Andy Robertson because he loves experienced, competitive guys who are winners. That’s what Andy Robertson is.
“If you look at his career with Liverpool, he has won everything there is to win. You look at what Kieran Tripper did at Atletico, he became a really important cog in their title-winning machine, and Simeone did not want to let him go.
“I would put Andy Robertson in that similar category as someone who has lots of Premier League experience and is a real competitor. I think Simeone would love him.”
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth after his sides 2-0 win during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Leicester City FC at Vitality Stadium on May 25, 2025 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Kerkez is expected to be Liverpool's next long-term left-back. (Image: undefined via Getty Images)
The biggest step in any Robertson exit could emerge if Milos Kerkez’s transfer is confirmed soon. The left-back is expected to leave Bournemouth and complete a move to Anfield this summer, with his brother implying on Sunday that the transfer will be concluded.
“Milos Kerkez, soon to be a new Liverpool player,” 21-year-old’s brother, Markos, wrote on Instagram.
Kerkez’s transfer could facilitate Robertson’s exit after eight years at Anfield, although it’s unclear whether the Scotland captain is open to the possibility of a move to Madrid, or if a price can be agreed between the clubs.
There’s also the question of cover for Kerkez; could Kostas Tsimikas remain at Anfield, or will Liverpool need to sign two left-backs this summer?
Speaking about his future last week, Robertson, who has just one year remaining on his contract, said: "We have discussed it, of course we have. We've had good discussions with me and the club but what the future holds I am not sure.
"I know the position I am in and I have only got a year left and a lot is getting spoken about and getting said but my full focus is on being a dad for the next couple of weeks and enjoying that time with the kids."