Ian Doyle looks at the decisions now facing Liverpool and Andy Robertson after a transfer approach from Tottenham Hotspur
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot throws the ball to Andrew Robertson
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot throws the ball to Andrew Robertson(Image: Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images)
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Even for the fast-paced world of Premier League football, it was some going. Addressing a question on Friday morning of whether Liverpool were likely to stick with their present squad for the remainder of the season, Arne Slot was somewhat unequivocal.
"That's what I expect, yeah," said the Reds boss. "But at this moment of time I expect it to stay mainly the same."
Perhaps the devil was in the detail of that last sentence. Nevertheless, it was something of a surprise when, barely 45 minutes later, news broke of Tottenham Hotspur having opened talks with the Reds over a permanent deal for Andy Robertson.
With Robertson out of contract at the end of the season and recently revealing there was as yet no resolution to talks over a new deal, that potential suitors are sniffing around the 31-year-old should not be unexpected. After all, Atletico Madrid were keen on signing the Scotland international last summer before ultimately training their sights elsewhere.
But that Liverpool have willingly engaged in preliminary talks with Tottenham is what intrigues the most. Clearly there has been a communication from the player that he at least wants to consider the move.
In many ways, Tottenham isn't the shock destination it initially appears. Their immediate need for a left-back means Robertson will be guaranteed minutes, and they are well-placed to qualify for the latter stages of the Champions League.
And, with a World Cup imminent, the Scotland captain would be much sharper than sitting on the bench - even if the prospect of further silverware will be diminished by moving to the London side.
Perhaps Robertson has realised the recent improved form of Milos Kerkez has rubber-stamped the Hungarian as the new first-choice left-back and would limit his outings - injury notwithstanding - for Liverpool during the remainder of the season. Robertson, after all, knows better than most it can take time to adapt to Anfield life.
His sterling service over the last eight-and-a-half years means the Reds will not make it difficult should Robertson ultimately decide he wants to make the move to the big smoke. He would leave with the best wishes of everyone at the club.
For supporters, there will be a tinge of sadness at seeing another Jurgen Klopp-era signing depart, with Robertson one of only six current squad members to have featured in the title-winning 2019/20 team under the German.
The more immediate issue for Liverpool, of course, is that it would further weaken a squad Slot accepts is not the deepest. Liverpool have the option of recalling Kostas Tsimikas from his underwhelming loan spell at Roma, although that would clearly be a stop-gap measure until the summer. Another left-back will most likely be needed.
And a Robertson departure would also deprive the dressing room of one of its most senior, popular and influential voices, with the defender having long been part of the squad's leadership group and appointed vice-captain following the exit of Trent Alexander-Arnold last year.
That, though, will provide an opportunity elsewhere, with both Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones having spoken this season of assuming extra responsibility. There will be others.
Nothing lasts forever. And calling time on a Liverpool career can often be one of the toughest shouts for a player, particularly one as successful and with the longevity of Robertson.
As it stands, however, he remains a Reds player and will most likely be involved for Saturday evening's Premier League clash at Bournemouth.
One thing is for certain. With not every player guaranteed a rousing send-off - witness how the likes of Sadio Mane and Jordan Henderson departed with little fanfare - the travelling Kop will be sure to salute a player who has been an integral part in the Liverpool's renaissance both home and abroad over the last decade. It will be richly deserved.