Recent reports have suggested that Andy Robertson will stay at Liverpool until the summer, but there has now been a potential twist in the saga.
The future of the 31-year-old has been a big story of late, with initial rumours claiming that he and Tottenham were in talks last week.
Since then, however, The Athletic‘s David Orstein reports that Robertson is now more likely to remain a Liverpool player until the end of the season:
“Andy Robertson from Liverpool to Spurs not proceeding at present. THFC agreed in principle for move to happen after UCL group stage but required Tsimikas recall by LFC; not possible so far. Roma seeking replacement but time running out.”
Now, TEAMtalk‘s Graeme Bailey states that Robertson moving to Spurs this week “remains an option for the final week of the window”, but the deal depends on Roma “sourcing a replacement” for Kostas Tsimikas.
The Serie A club’s “ability to release the Greek international is currently the key obstacle”, with a source further explaining the situation:
“Andy is happy with how things are being dealt with, he knows Liverpool are doing their best for him and allowing him to go but also he realises they can’t leave themselves short. Everything has been dealt with very professionally, as you would expect, and they are just waiting to see how the coming days pan out, but Roma seem confident of finding a replacement for Tsimikas.”
Liverpool need to keep Robertson until the summer
This isn’t the update many want to hear, having been happy about the reports of Robertson remaining a Liverpool player until the summer, before then presumably leaving on a free transfer.
Selling such a legendary figure midway through a tough season makes little sense, even if it means receiving a fee for him, with his quality and leadership important in the coming months.
Tsimikas returning from his loan spell would clearly allow Liverpool to make the sale of Robertson, but the latter is a far more influential figure at Anfield on and off the pitch, being described as “very important” by Virgil van Dijk.
Hopefully, cold water is once again poured on the exit rumour, with Spurs’ only chance of getting their man coming later in the year instead.