Andy Robertson did not play like someone who is on the verge of leaving during Liverpool’s chastening late defeat against Bournemouth on Saturday.
After talk that he could soon join Tottenham Hotspur surfaced on Friday, the Scot’s reasoning for wanting out was underlined as he had to settle for a place on Arne Slot’s bench one day later. He wants more game time.
However, Robertson was surprisingly introduced at half-time and although he could not help Liverpool pick up a much-needed win, he did at least show that he is still an important member of this squad.
mail iconJoin our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
Who was Liverpool’s worst player as they fell to a pathetic loss against Bournemouth?
Mohamed Salah chases the ball during Liverpool's Premier League match against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Slot confirmed that Kerkez was being rested after the game, hinting at the need to have two top-quality options to choose from at left-back. If Robertson leaves that will no longer be the case, even if he is immediately replaced by the returning Kostas Tsimikas.
The vice-captain’s reasons for leaving are clear: he wants game time to be fit and ready for this summer’s World Cup with Scotland. However, while it is understandable that Liverpool would respect such a long-serving player’s wishes, they simply have to put their foot down with Robertson this week: his World Cup dream is not of their concern.
Liverpool have to put themselves first with Andy Robertson
Since news broke of Robertson’s dalliance with Tottenham, the general mood amongst Liverpool fans has been that he deserves to get his wish after all he has achieved with the Reds.
While that is an honourable sentiment, and should probably be followed through on in better times, right now it should not come into Liverpool’s thinking.
Andy Robertson outstretches his arms during Liverpool's Premier League match against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
READ MORE: When will Alexander Isak be fit again? Timeline given new update after Liverpool lose at Bournemouth
Yes, Robertson is a Liverpool legend, and that is exactly why he cannot be allowed to leave at short notice in the middle of an unbelievably difficult season.
The 31-year-old is obviously ready to put himself first and do what he needs to in order to be in the best shape for Scotland. But the hard truth is that Liverpool need Robertson now. They cannot let a player’s personal ambitions destabilise things even further.
Robertson will play in the World Cup for Scotland regardless of what he does between now and the end of the season. It may even benefit him to be more fresh when the tournament comes around as opposed to being completely burned out.
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
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Although they may disappoint him in doing so, Liverpool have to block any move in the next week and keep one of their most important dressing room figures in place. The alternative is the Reds accepting that players can hold them to ransom in the name of personal ambition. Whoever that is, it should never be accepted if it does not suit the club.
Robertson can still break into Liverpool’s starting XI
The other point to labour on Robertson is that he is getting playing time at Liverpool this season. It is not what he is used to, clearly, but he has now made 22 appearances in 2025/26.
One injury to Kerkez and the No. 26 is straight back into the team. Surely Robertson would prefer to see out his contract in that manner rather than move to a Spurs side where he is not guaranteed to start either.
Liverpool are in terrible shape in the Premier League at this moment in time, but there is a chance they go all the way in the FA Cup or the Champions League. The squad has enough quality to navigate one off or two-legged ties against anyone and if he leaves now, Robertson is giving that up.
Greater depth will be needed if Liverpool do go deep in either competition, and that is where they will really miss Robertson if he goes.
Plainly, this move makes little sense from a Liverpool point of view and is only being entertained at all as a gesture of goodwill towards Robertson. In as tight a spot as they are this January, these kinds of gestures are not appropriate for the football club. It may be ruthless, but the Reds have to tell Robertson that he is staying no matter what this January.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox