Liverpool are nearing decision-time over the contract of vice-captain Andy Robertson as he enters the final six months of his deal.
The Scotsman has been a superb player across eight-and-a-half trophy-laden years with the Reds but has had to adapt to a more fringe role this season.
Milos Kerkez has assumed starting left-back duties for Arne Slot, with Robertson having started only four of Liverpool‘s 21 Premier League fixtures.
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Andrew Robertson of Liverpool in action during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield. John Arne Riise celebrates scoring the opening goal against Chelsea
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The 31-year-old is still an important member within the Liverpool squad, as his ascension to vice-captain last summer demonstrated, but it is clear that Slot has already replaced him in the Reds’ starting XI.
Robertson has confirmed that talks are ongoing over a contract extension which would see him stay at Anfield beyond this summer. However, with a deal yet to be signed, journalist David Lynch claims it is more likely that the Scot departs.
Andy Robertson likely to leave Liverpool
Robertson almost left Liverpool last summer, though a surprise move to Atletico Madrid eventually came to nothing.
Speaking on his YouTube channel on Friday, however, Lynch claimed that the full-back will have plenty of offers on his desk once again at the end of the season, and this time he is expected to take one.
Andrew Robertson of Liverpool looks on during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield.
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“In terms of where Robertson’s up to, I think it’s an interesting one,” said the reporter. “I lean on the side of maybe expecting that Andy Robertson will depart Liverpool this summer. If that wasn’t going to be the case I just think it would have been sorted by now.
“I think he was quite keen to go and see what was out there last summer until things kind of changed. That Atletico Madrid move I think he would have been keen on, of course the [Diogo] Jota situation and all of those things and the role he needed to take on within the squad were all considerations, but I just expect that he’ll have a lot of offers on the table in terms of free transfers to a lot of places where he will play more frequently.
“So, to share my view I think Andy Robertson will depart and he will depart undoubtedly as an absolute Liverpool legend.”
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Jurgen Klopp addresses fans at Anfield after his final game as Liverpool manager in May 2024 (Credit: Getty Images/Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC).
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Arne Slot responds to Robertson revelation
Faced with the press on the morning after Robertson’s quotes about his future surfaced, the first question Slot was asked to answer was on the future of his veteran left-back.
“I have to give him a big compliment about the things he said, very mature,” Slot said. “I could understand everything he was saying. I think every player should have the same feeling about his current position, that he’s not starting every game. But I’m really happy that he also says that he finds joy in the position he’s in and that he also understands how important he has been to this club for all these years and he definitely still is in the position he is now.
“He did play quite a lot of games, not as much as he’d probably hoped but the way he’s acting and now his comments in the media is a big compliment and says a lot about him and how good he’s been for this club in the past eight-and-a-half years.”
Liverpool could certainly use Robertson’s experience, personality and quality if he does decide he’s happy to cement himself as Kerkez’s back-up. However, after the service he has given the club, should he leave, he would do so with everybody’s blessing.
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