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Liverpool could lose Andy Robertson in this transfer window, but is there a swap deal that could be made to soften the blow?
Jurgen Klopp left Liverpool in a healthy position with players like Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister all set to take the club forward.
There was always going to be a period of transition, but Arne Slot performed virtual miracles to win the Premier League, aided and abetted by Mohamed Salah having a record-breaking season.
The core of Klopp’s title winning team are starting to grow old and Slot inherited a squad that has quality, but also needs to be reinvigorated. There have been signs that players like Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong can be key players in the future, however, inconsistency has been a problem. A new forward line will also need time to adapt with Salah almost certain to leave in the summer.
Swap deal Liverpool could offer with Andy Robertson
Another veteran who could leave is Andy Robertson, linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur. The Scotland captain isn’t the force of energy that he once was, although his leadership and quality has still been there for all to see in some of the best performances of the season.
A new deal seemed obvious, only for it now to look like his time at Anfield is coming to an end. If Spurs want Robertson, there is an obvious deal that Richard Hughes could take to the table to solve a problem that has been brewing since last summer.
Liverpool are reported to be interested in Micky van de Ven after seeing Marc Guehi move to Man City with the need for a centre-half greater than ever before. Ibrahima Konate continues to be picked because of a lack of options with Virgil van Dijk looking increasingly like he could do with a break from time, to time.
That Slot has nobody he trusts to rest the skipper is a reflection on the mistakes made in the previous transfer window. Robertson, who is 32 soon, won’t command a high transfer fee, but he could probably cover a portion of the significant fee Van de Ven might command.
It would be a blow to lose such an experienced and professional player, but it would be softened by the arrival of one of the best centre-halves in the league and one of the quickest players in world football.
A concern about a lack of cover is the driving force behind him staying but if Van de Ven arrives in cash plus player swap deal, then it is something that could make sense for all parties.
What Robertson has said about possibly leaving Liverpool
Robertson, speaking recently, via The Guardian, was unsure what the future held for him before the transfer window opened. What was clear though, is that he wants to be playing more regularly: “We’ve had chats now which will remain private; we’ll see what happens,” said Robertson, who admitted it was “a difficult question” whether he wanted to stay. “I’ve got five months left and we need to see the option to stay or if there’s options to go and things like that. I’ll sit down with my family and decide.
“After a stressful summer, I’m just trying to enjoy being a part of it, and being a Liverpool player. I wanted to qualify for the World Cup and thankfully we’ve managed to do that. I need to see what myself and my family wants.”
“I always want to be on the grass and playing and obviously now that’s not happening, so that’s different. I have a different role here this season which I’m getting enjoyment out of but footballers want to play and, if anyone is sat happy on the bench, then they don’t belong at any football club.
“If you’re happy to be at Liverpool, wanting to sit on the bench, then I don’t think you have the right attitude. I’ve played well in the games I’ve played this season. Maybe I’ve not played as much as I would have liked, but it’s nothing I’ve been surprised by. Let’s see what happens.”
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