Liverpool fans breathed a sigh of relief on Sunday evening after news arrived that Andy Robertson’s proposed switch to Tottenham had been cancelled.
The left-back looked all set to join Spurs after the Reds’ Champions League clash with Qarabag on Wednesday.
However, as first reported by journalist Paul Joyce of the Times, Liverpool ‘pulled the plug’ on the agreement on Sunday.
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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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With the Reds reportedly unwilling to sanction Robertson‘s exit while already stretched defensively, that had looked to be that for January.
However, according to claims from more than one reporter in the aftermath of Joyce’s piece, this saga may not be over just yet.
Tottenham may still make late move for Andy Robertson
Quite why Liverpool have decided to do a U-turn on selling Robertson to Tottenham is slightly unclear, with previous claims that Kostas Tsimikas could be recalled from Roma meaning they would retain the same amount of defenders in the squad.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has hinted that Roma would let Tsimikas return to Liverpool, so problems getting the Greek back do not appear to be the sticking point.
Andy Robertson outstretches his arms during Liverpool's Premier League match against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium
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Whatever the reason, journalists Matt Law and Ben Jacobs have both claimed that ‘late window movement’ may still mean Robertson leaves.
“Liverpool have considered the Spurs offer, worth over £5m with add-ons, and looked at recalling Kostas Tsimikas, but decided not to proceed as of now,” says Jacobs. “Although late window movement could alter things, for now Liverpool intend to keep Robertson.”
“Tottenham had agreed a deal in principle with Liverpool for Robertson to join after Liverpool’s final CL game,” adds Law. “Deal was dependent on Liverpool being able to recall Tsimikas which they haven’t been able to do yet as Roma need a replacement.”
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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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Asked whether the deal would go ahead if Roma replace Tsimikas, the journalist claimed there could indeed be some ‘wiggle room.’
“Possibly some wiggle room but very hard to predict final week of a transfer window,” he replied.
Could Liverpool sign a different alternative left-back?
Given the slightly contrasting claims surrounding Roma and Tsimikas, it is hard to pinpoint exactly what could trigger another change in this story.
Certainly if Tsimikas returns to Anfield that would mean Robertson leaves. But for now it is unclear whether Liverpool have decided not to recall the 29-year-old or if Roma are the ones holding that deal up.
Either way, if something gives and Tsimikas comes back, Robertson would be expected to go.
The only other way in which the Scotland captain gets his move is if Liverpool bring in a new signing at left-back. With only days left of the window, that seems especially unlikely. So, as far as Robertson joining Spurs is concerned, it appears to be totally dependent on goings on at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
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