Surprise news broke on Friday as it was revealed that Liverpool are in discussions with Tottenham Hotspur over a move for Andy Robertson.
The left-back had been expected to see out the season at Anfield having entered the final six months of his contract in January.
However, it has emerged that Tottenham are closing in on an immediate deal for Robertson, with Liverpool seemingly set to receive a nominal transfer fee.
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Is Liverpool letting Andy Robertson join Tottenham a mistake? Who could replace the left-back?
Andrew Robertson of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Burnley and Liverpool at Turf Moor
Credit: James Gill/Danehouse/Getty Images
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Coming out of the blue as it has, Liverpool supporters are trying to digest the shock of one of their best players of the past decade leaving so suddenly.
Beyond any emotional aspects of Robertson‘s departure, though, there are genuine question marks over just what exactly the plan is here. The 31-year-old leaving would mean Arne Slot has only Milos Kerkez to call upon for the rest of the campaign. Those hoping that would mean a dip into the transfer market are set to be disappointed, however.
Kostas Tsimikas likely to return to Liverpool
Liverpool do of course have another left-back on their books, and if Robertson departs, it seems almost certain that Kostas Tsimikas would be recalled from his loan at Roma.
Tsimikas has not enjoyed the best season in Italy, and given that the Reds do hold a recall option, that seems like a natural route to go down.
Kostas Tsimikas in action for Liverpool during the pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
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While the Greek is a popular figure and his return should be celebrated to some degree, the decision to sell Robertson at this stage seems like a truly bizarre one from Liverpool.
It is likely the player himself who is pushing the move having fallen down the pecking order recently, but a move to Spurs also makes little sense for him. There is still a chance of winning big trophies with Liverpool this season. Why would he not want to be a part of that?
What it boils down to is that this does nothing but make Liverpool weaker. Tsimikas was back-up to Robertson for five years at Anfield, he is simply not as good as the veteran. So, unless the Reds are plotting an unlikely move in the market, there is no good sense here at all.
Tottenham want a British transfer record for Micky van de Ven! Surely there are cheaper alternatives? 😵💫
Micky van de Ven in action for Tottenham Hotspur during their UEFA Champions League match against Slavia Prague at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Credit: Rob Newell/CameraSport/Getty Images
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Liverpool must convince Robertson to change his mind
Given the advanced nature of the reporting, it seems fairly likely that Robertson will indeed leave Liverpool this January.
In a window in which the Reds have made the call not to strengthen a struggling squad at all, to weaken it further has to go down as one of their worst decisions in years.
Robertson may well be driving this forward, but Liverpool should put their foot down and refuse to do business.
Perhaps the Scotland captain is making a play for a new contract, and if that is the case then the Reds should adhere to his demands. He still has plenty to offer anyway, and an extension would work for Liverpool.
The chances of that happening are growing more remote, though. Unfortunately, it seems Liverpool are ready to let a true legend go and replace him with a worse player at a crucial time of the campaign. Richard Hughes, what are you doing?
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