An ex-Red has slammed Liverpool for risking Andy Robertson's exit amid Atletico Madrid's interest, calling on the club to extend the left-back's contract as it nears its end
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Liverpool's Andrew Robertson reacts during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC.
Liverpool have been strongly criticised for allowing Andy Robertson's contract to enter its final year
(Image: CameraSport/CameraSport via Getty Images)
A former Liverpool striker has slammed the club's handling of Andy Robertson's contract situation after reports of interest from Atletico Madrid. The Reds left-back is into the final year of his contract at Anfield after twice lifting the Premier League trophy on Merseyside.
The Scotland international has been a permanent fixture for Liverpool since moving from Hull City in 2017, also winning an FA Cup, two League Cup trophies, and the Champions League in 2018/19. News of Atletico targeting a transfer move for the 31-year-old emerged at the end of last week.
While Robertson recently revealed he has held talks with Liverpool about his future, the club has been criticised for allowing his contract to run down. Ex-Reds forward Dean Saunders has described his potential departure as "disastrous" after comparing it to the loss of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid.
Liverpool are understood to be keen on signing Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez this summer as they look for a long-term replacement for Robertson. However, Saunders has called for his contract to be extended after questioning the need to make changes.
Appearing on talkSPORT, the former Wolves and Wrexham manager said: "It's another disastrous piece of business from Liverpool. They let Trent's contract run out. Don't blame Trent, blame the club.
"With two years left on his contract, they should have called him in and said, 'Are you going to sign this contract or we're going to have to sell you'.
Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold
Andy Robertson's situation has been compared to that of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who recently left Liverpool for Real Madrid
"Andy Robertson is in the same position. He's only 31 and he's as good a left back as you can get anywhere. Why are you trying to change him? I don't know. He's got another three years left in him, so give him a new contract."
Robertson has emerged as a top target for Atletico with manager Diego Simeone identifying him as an ideal candidate for their left-back position. But it's been claimed a deal will not be easy despite Kerkez's talks with Liverpool.
Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports earlier this week, Robertson confirmed he has held initial talks over his Liverpool contract but admitted he is unclear what awaits his long-term future at Anfield.
Andy Robertson has been linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer
Andy Robertson has been linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer
He 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 need a rest after a long season and then I look forward to pre-season, that's all my focus is, I can't look too far ahead. I never have done that so I am not going to start doing that now.
"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.
"Then I will try to come back in the best possible shape for pre-season and then we’ll see what the future holds when these decisions come."