Andy Robertson remains an important player for Liverpool and will continue to play a key role in the team, according to Arne Slot, who doesn't expect the defender to join Tottenham
16:33, 27 Jan 2026
Arne Slot has insisted that Andrew Robertson remains an important player for Liverpool
Arne Slot has insisted that Andrew Robertson remains an important player for Liverpool(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has insisted that Andrew Robertson is an "important" member of the team despite being heavily linked with a move to Tottenham during the January transfer window.
Keen to add more experience to the defensive line, Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank made an approach to sign Robertson from Liverpool. The defender has played over 350 games since signing for Liverpool in 2017, and will captain Scotland at the FIFA World Cup this summer.
However, with Liverpool struggling to recall Kostas Tsimikas from his loan spell at Roma, and fears over a lack of depth at the back, the proposed transfer appears to be off. Robertson never asked to leave the club and has remained professional throughout, but Slot still believes he is a key player.
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Liverpool signed Bournemouth left back Milos Kerkez last summer, and although his form has been inconsistent, he's started ahead of Robertson for the majority of the season. Robertson has still made several appearances off the bench and is one of the most experienced players at Liverpool.
It appears Robertson will stay at the club until his contract expires this summer, news Slot has welcomed. Speaking ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash against Qarabag, Slot said of Robertson: "He is part of the team. He has been part of this club for so many years.
"I am happy to have him. It is good he is available because that is important right now! He will be part of the team. It is hard to say anything definite in this world but I expect him to stay yes."
Andy Robertson has been at Liverpool since 2017, joining in the same window as Mohamed Salah
Robertson has been at Liverpool since 2017, joining in the same window as Mohamed Salah(Image: 2025 Liverpool FC)
Liverpool faces losing Robertson for free in the summer, just like they did with Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, with Tottenham offering just $7 million, it's a sum that Liverpool can refuse to accept, knowing that his availability could be valuable this season.
Robertson is also a club legend, and a quick January exit is not the desired end to a nine-year partnership. Slot also emphasized the importance of Robertson's availability against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday, despite the 3-2 defeat.
Speaking after Saturday's loss, Slot was asked if he would afford to lose Robertson given the poor run of results. "I think I need all my players," Slot said. "Robbo had to come in at half-time, in my opinion.
Robertson has not pushed to leave Liverpool, and his deal expires in June
Robertson has not pushed to leave Liverpool, and his deal expires in June(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
"I always knew that for Milos, another 90 minutes against a very intense Bournemouth side was not a possibility for him, so I knew I would have to bring (Robertson) in. I had already had one substitution in the first half, then you only have two moments left, so I thought 'let's bring Robbo in at half-time to make sure Milos stays available for the rest of the season.'
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"There's a lot of games to be played with the players available. I have to manage that as well. The last thing we could need right now is another injury."
Liverpool lost Joe Gomez to injury against Bournemouth, as Wataru Endo came on to replace the center-back. Slot confirmed that either Endo or another midfielder would start in defense against Qarabag.
A win in the Champions League on Wednesday will guarantee Liverpool's place in the Round of 16, a needed boost after a poor domestic campaign. Liverpool is sitting sixth in the Premier League, eliminated from the EFL Cup, and through to the fourth round of the FA Cup.