The futures of Liverpool left-backs Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas are intertwined, and a fresh update from Italy looks to have settled the issue.
The Robertson/Tsimikas situation has been one of the more intriguing ones to watch this January.
Foundations were laid earlier this month when Robertson discussed his expiring Liverpool contract, and sounded like he was really pondering an exit.
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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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When Spurs registered interest in Robertson, it became clear that while Liverpool were open to a sale, hinging on their ability to replace the Scot before the deadline.
Tsimikas was the obvious option, but now it looks like that won’t be happening.
Roma want to keep Kostas Tsimikas from returning to Liverpool
When the ball started rolling on this left-back switch, Roma were open to letting Tsimikas leave.
What has changed is that they haven’t been successful in sourcing a replacement, most recently having an offer for Wolves’ David Moller Wolfe rejected.
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According to Italian reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, the Serie A side are no longer intent on terminating the Greek’s loan. His stint in the Italian capital ‘should not be interrupted’.
Serie A Enilive Roma-Sassuolo
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That throws a spanner in the works for Liverpool, who will now look at their options in that position, surely realising that Robertson is needed until the end of the season.
FSG aren’t the type to rush a transfer decision, so it’s hard to see a new target being identified with a week left until the window slams shut.
David Ornstein confirms stall in Andy Robertson move
Di Marzio’s Roma insight paints a pretty clear picture — one that sees the two full-backs staying put where they are for the remainder of the campaign.
That’s backed up by David Ornstein’s latest in The Athletic’s Transfer DealSheet, where he reveals talks are not progressing with Spurs because of the ‘difficulties’ with Tsimikas.
It might be for the best. Robertson is still a better option for Arne Slot, and the margin of the loss Liverpool will take on the club legend isn’t going to be huge.
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Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace reacts at the end of the game, showing his surprise at scoring a goal, during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Crystal Palace at Villa Park.
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All of this means Robertson should stick around for the season, and get the Liverpool farewell tour he deserves after nearly nine years of service.
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