Liverpool look likely to be on the hunt for a new left-back during the summer transfer window.
Richard Hughes, Arne Slot and the rest of the recruitment team are set for a busy off-season after having a full year to assess the squad.
One thing which has become clear over that time is that Liverpool are getting close to having to move on from Andy Robertson.
Robertson has been a terrific servant to the club. After winning his place from Alberto Moreno during the 2017/18 season, the Scot has never been moved.
At his best, Robertson was arguably the greatest left-back in the world and will go down as a true Liverpool legend.
However, now 31, it’s clear that the Reds need to start planning for the future. And with the rumour mill suggesting the likes of Milos Kerkez and Jorrel Hato as targets, Robertson himself has now weighed in on what he expects this summer.
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Andy Robertson aware of left-back pursuit
It remains to be seen exactly what Liverpool will do in this summer’s transfer market. But pretty much everyone is agreed that a left-back will be one of the priorities.
As a result, there have been numerous rumours flying around, with links to Kerkez the strongest for now.
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And speaking in a Scotland press conference via BBC Sport, Robertson made it clear that he is very much aware of the expectation that a new challenger will arrive at Anfield this summer.
“I think we’ve been linked with pretty much every left-back in the world,” smiled the 31-year-old.
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“But, look, that’s part and parcel of it. You play for one of the biggest clubs in the world and you’ve been very lucky – well, I wouldn’t put it down to luck – but I look back on these eight years that I’ve had here as the starting left-back at one of the best clubs in the world for that long and that’s something I’m very proud of.
“Your time comes,” admits Robertson. “I don’t think it’s my time yet but whatever happens with the club and whether we do bring in somebody or we don’t bring somebody in then so be it. I think I’ll always back myself.”
Robertson defiant over form this season
Although there have been times when Robertson has clearly been targeted by the opposition this season, it’s fair to say that his form has improved heading into the spring.
Apperances Goals Assists Trophies
Andy Robertson at Liverpool 336 11 56 Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup x2, Super Cup, Club World Cup
This is something the left-back was keen to ram home as well, insisting that he’s happy with his debut campaign under Slot.
“There’s been a couple of moments this season where I haven’t covered myself in glory,” he said. “But I think other things have been taken way out of proportion. I think certainly the past couple of months the performance levels have been there for me.
“If you look back on all the games this season, I’ve had a relatively good season. But when you’ve been consistent and when you maybe make slight mistakes that aren’t necessarily put towards your name then people can talk. That’s the world we live in.
“For me, I’m always confident in my ability and hopefully that can continue.”