Is It Time for Liverpool to Sell Andy Robertson?
Liverpool and Atletico in Talks Over Robertson
On the latest episode of Anfield Index Pro Plus, Dave Hendrick returned to the mic with sharp analysis on the biggest topic of the weekend: Atletico Madrid’s approach for Liverpool’s long-serving left-back Andy Robertson.
Hendrick opened with little ambiguity: “He hasn’t been particularly good now for three years, in fact he’s been outright poor for three years. He’s 31 years of age and he’s got one year left in his contract.” The point was blunt but backed by context. Atletico’s interest comes amid their failed pursuit of AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez, and Robertson offers a high-profile, if aging, alternative.
Breaking the Cycle of Free Departures
The heart of Hendrick’s argument is a clear-eyed look at Liverpool’s recent transfer missteps. “We have to get out of this cycle of letting players leave for free,” he insisted. In a wide-ranging review, Hendrick listed Emre Can, Daniel Sturridge, Gini Wijnaldum, and most recently Joel Matip as examples of assets who walked for nothing.
“It makes more sense to sell him now than to let him run his contract out,” Hendrick stated. He added, “If we can get 10 million for Robbo this summer and 12 million for Kostas [Tsimikas] next summer, that’s more than getting 15 for Kostas now and nothing for Robertson in a year.”
The logic is simple. A club aiming for sustainability cannot afford to haemorrhage value, particularly from players who no longer start.
Form, Wages, and Dressing Room Noise
Beyond finances, Hendrick made a compelling point on squad harmony. “Andy Robertson has made it very clear he does not have any interest in being the backup,” he said. “He does not see himself as the backup. He’s been very, very clear on that.”
In a team preparing for life under Arne Slot, harmony and clarity in roles are vital. Kostas Tsimikas, Hendrick noted, “has never complained, never carried on, he just gets on with his job.” More importantly, “Kostas also earns a lot less than Robbo… probably half, if not more.”
Hendrick was particularly vocal about the potential disruption Robertson’s agent could bring, calling him “a snake,” and suggesting that “all we would do is open ourselves up to noise. And we don’t need noise. We need harmony.”
Scotland’s Captain and Club Minutes
International ambition also looms large. “Playing for Scotland is very important to him… and if Robbo’s not playing at club maybe he’s not going to be in the Scotland team.” With 84 caps to his name and the target of 100 in sight, the loss of regular minutes at Liverpool could threaten Robertson’s position as Scotland captain, especially with Kieran Tierney and Aaron Hickey returning to fitness and form.
Robertson’s Legacy Remains Untouched
Still, there was no bitterness in Hendrick’s assessment of Robertson’s Liverpool career. “Andy Robertson’s been brilliant for us over the eight years,” he said. “For the fee we paid, one of the great buys we’ve ever made.”
From a relegated Hull side to 342 appearances and a major part in Champions League and Premier League triumphs, Robertson’s impact is etched in Anfield folklore. “Despite the fact his form has not been very good for three years, you never doubted his effort level, you never doubted the want or desire to be his best.”
Hendrick summed it up best: “Move him on and let him have a new chapter in his career.” Whether that chapter begins in Madrid or elsewhere, the consensus on Anfield Index Pro Plus was clear: the time is right.
