Fabrizio Romano hints that Andy Robertson's failed Liverpool exit is not because of Roma and Kostas Tsimikas

Andy Robertson looks likely to stay at Liverpool after a proposed move to Tottenham was put on the back burner on Sunday.

The left-back had surprisingly emerged as a candidate to be sold in the January transfer window after seeing his game time reduced for the Reds this season.

However, many fans feel Liverpool selling Robertson would be a big mistake and, thankfully, the club appear to have listened to reason.

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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

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The cause of the transfer U-turn is somewhat unclear for now, with some suggestions that Roma have been reluctant to agree to a return for on-loan left-back Kostas Tsimikas.

However, speaking late on Sunday evening, journalist Fabrizio Romano hinted that the problem is not coming from the Roma end.

Kostas Tsimikas still ready to replace Andy Robertson

Clearly, if Roma were unwilling to cut Tsimikas’ loan deal short, then Liverpool could not agree to Robertson‘s exit.

But speaking on his Italian language YouTube channel, Romano did not confirm this to be the case, and his claim that Roma are actually looking at other solutions at left-back hints that there could be a different reason for Robertson staying.

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“Tsimikas will return to Liverpool if Robertson goes to Tottenham. The point is that this evening, the Robertson Tottenham operation has stalled slightly, even more than slightly,” said the transfer expert.

“There aren’t all the agreements yet for this deal, so there’s a chance Liverpool will decide to keep Robertson, not renew his contract, let him leave at the end of the season and at that point Tsimikas’ return to Liverpool would be out of the question.

“We’ll see what Roma wants to do at that point because we’ve talked about all the various attempts made for left-backs over the weeks and days but clearly understanding what happens with Tsimikas will be very important for future developments. Tsimikas would gladly return to Liverpool, but if Robertson doesn’t go to Tottenham this won’t be unlocked.”

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Micky van de Ven pictured during Tottenham Hotspurs' Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park (Credit: Getty Images/Sebastian Frej).

Alessandro Bastoni warms up ahead of the Serie A match between Inter Milan and Torino at San Siro Stadium (Credit: Getty Images/Marco Luzzani).

Photo Credit: Getty Images/Sebastian Frej/Marco Luzzani

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What is the reason for Robertson U-turn?

If it is not because of anything to do with Roma and Tsimikas, then what could have prompted Liverpool’s change of mind regarding Robertson.

The Athletic have reported that the decision has been made based on a feeling from the Reds that they do not have adequate cover for Robertson if he goes. But if Tsimikas comes back, that would negate that point.

Certainly, the decision does not appear to have come from the Scotland captain’s end, with suggestions that he was very much keen on the move.

It could be that Liverpool simply decided Robertson is still too important – both in terms of on-pitch contribution and off-the-field character – to let him leave in the middle of a difficult season.

Whatever the true reason behind the cancellation of his exit, it should not especially matter to Liverpool fans. What is important is that a true legend of the football club is sticking around for at least a little while longer, and that is cause for celebration.

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