Andy Robertson has been linked with a move to Tottenham but any potential deal depends on one thing
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - JANUARY 27: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Mohamed Salah of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on January 27, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Kostas Tsimikas is great friends with Mo Salah(Image: Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson has been strongly linked with a switch to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur. However, a recent twist has emerged involving a Liverpool player currently out on loan.
Since Arne Slot and co secured Milos Kerkez on a long-term deal, Robertson's future at the club has appeared increasingly uncertain. A stalwart since 2017, Robertson has been a crucial part of the Anfield setup and has enjoyed tremendous success during that period.
However, at 31 it appears the time has come for a fresh challenge. Last week, reports surfaced suggesting Robertson was heading for a move to Spurs - but there's a complication.
Understandably, when offloading a player as influential and significant as Robertson - despite his reduced playing time this season - it's essential for the club to secure a suitable replacement. Of course, Liverpool already have one in Kostas Tsimikas, Mohamed Salah's close friend, who is currently on loan at Roma.
Niccolo Pisilli of AS Roma celebrates with Kostas Tsimikas
Tsimikas has been playing in Serie A(Image: Photo by Antonietta Baldassarre/Insidefoto/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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Ideally, it would be straightforward to recall the Greek star and have him step into Robertson's role. However, as The Athletic have reported, Roma are only willing to allow Tsimikas to return to Liverpool on the condition they can find an adequate replacement.
Essentially, Tsimikas sits at the heart of three interconnected transfers. Deal one - Roma bring in a left-back replacement. Deal two - Tsimikas' loan is cut short and he returns to Liverpool. Deal three - Robertson joins Spurs.
Straightforward, isn't it?
Well, the Italian club are in no rush to secure a replacement and will ensure they bring in a quality player, so the Robertson transfer hinges on Roma locating a new left-back within the next few days, which appears highly improbable at this point.
Andy Robertson
Andy Robertson could be leaving Liverpool soon(Image: Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Robertson desires increased playing time ahead of the World Cup but isn't actively pushing for the transfer. The Scotland international still features reasonably regularly for Liverpool, though the starting berth currently belongs to Kerkez, with Robertson having started just four league matches this campaign.
Following the defeat to Bournemouth, Reds skipper Virgil van Dijk disclosed his wish for Robertson to remain. "He's my vice-captain," Van Dijk stated. "Robbo is a very important member of our team and I want him to stay but whatever happens, let's see."
At present, it's anticipated that Tsimikas will remain at Roma until his loan arrangement concludes at the season's end. This suggests Robertson will probably be staying at Anfield for the time being. Spurs supporters had reason for optimism when Roma made an approach for Wolves left-back David Møller Wolfe but the Premier League outfit turned it down. Their £6.9m bid was described as "derisory" according to Sky Sports.
Beyond being a reliable left-back substitute, Tsimikas is renowned at Liverpool for his bond with Salah. The Greek defender joined the Reds in 2020 and quickly developed a strong rapport with the Egyptian King, discussing their connection in 2021. "He is one of my best mates here," said Tsimikas. "He was there for me to help me. He's a very big person, fantastic. One of the best people I have ever met in my life. We spend a lot of time at the training ground together."