It was revealed how close Everton was to nabbing Andy Robertson early in his career, with the club just $1 million short of inking the deal for the star, which eventually led to him joining Liverpool
Andy Robertson admitted he almost suited up for Everton at one point in his career
Andy Robertson admitted he almost suited up for Everton at one point in his career(Image: Getty Images)
Andy Robertson revealed how close he was to playing for Everton early on in his career.
Before his time at Liverpool, Robertson started his playing days at Dundee United in 2013 and then Hull City a year later. He spent three seasons there before signing a long-term contract to play under Jurgen Klopp in 2017, cementing his reputation as one of the best of his generation.
That said, there was a moment when he could have ended up at Everton as he figured out his career, with the agreement derailed by $1 million. His revelation comes during an appearance on the Stick to Football podcast, where he discussed a number of topics, including his return to Anfield.
"In January, I nearly left. Everton put a bid in for me in the January," he said during his appearance. "Roberto Martinez (Everton's manager at the time) came up and actually watched me for Dundee United."
He added, "They wanted to loan me back (to Dundee United) for six months, and then be back-up to Leighton Baines, and then try and be the guy that kinda (becomes first-choice). That was their plan."
As for why that move failed to materialize, Robertson stated that Everton just did not "bid enough" for his services, eventually laying the groundwork for him to suit up for Hull instead.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15: Andy Robertson of Tottenham Hotspur during the during the pre-season friendly match between Tottenham Hotspur and TSG Hoffenheim at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 15, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Robertson joined Tottenham after leaving Liverpool earlier this summer(Image: Getty Images)
"I think they bid £750K ($1 million)," he recalled when asked why the deal died. "Dundee United, at that point, wanted £1.5 million ($2 million). The manager was kinda saying, 'I'm not losing him.'
"And to be fair, it was a good decision from Dundee United, because they ended up getting £2.85 million ($3.8 million) in the summer. So, they ended up getting a bit more."
In the end, everything worked out for Robertson as his play at Hull eventually landed him at Liverpool, where he spent the last nine years of his career. His impact was such that, when he arrived at Anfield as a Tottenham player, the supporters in attendance showered him with raucous applause.
He came off the bench in the 3-1 loss, with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai among those who helped push the Reds ahead.
Speaking on his reception by the fans, the 32-year-old admitted that "it was strange" to return to the club he's called home for so long so soon after he left.
"Obviously, I'd looked at the fixtures when they first came out," he said. "You look at Liverpool away (in the Premier League), and it was December. I'm thinking, 'I'm quite happy with that. I can get my feet under the table with Tottenham.'
"And then the cup competition. We beat Charlton at home, and everyone's running around the changing room going, 'You're going back!' I'm like, 'Ahhhhh' (lifts his head up in despair).
"But no, it was great, in terms of the reception I got from the home fans. It was a long time there, and to go back and to be in another color and still get that reception, it was nice. It was nice."