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Liverpool facing defining decision over Andy Robertson future

Surprise news broke on Friday as it was revealed that Liverpool are in discussions with Tottenham Hotspur over a move for Andy Robertson. The Scotland captain was widely expected to see out the season at Anfield, especially with his contract entering its final six months in January.

Instead, Tottenham are reportedly closing in on an immediate deal, with Liverpool set to receive only a nominal fee. That detail alone has left fans questioning not only the timing, but also the logic behind the move.

For a club that won the Premier League under Arne Slot in 2024/25 and remains in the hunt for major honours, the idea of weakening the squad mid-season feels deeply counterintuitive.

Andy Robertson exit raises serious squad concerns

Beyond the emotional attachment, this potential transfer creates a real football problem. If Andy Robertson leaves, Arne Slot would be left with Milos Kerkez as his only senior left-back for the remainder of the campaign.

That lack of depth becomes even more worrying when considering Liverpool’s packed fixture list and the physical demands placed on full-backs in Slot’s system. Robertson may be 31, but his experience, leadership and tactical intelligence remain invaluable.

While some have suggested that Robertson himself is pushing for the move after falling down the pecking order, a switch to Tottenham raises further questions. Spurs are not guaranteed trophies, while Liverpool are still competing at the highest level.

In simple terms, this move benefits no one except perhaps the balance sheet, and even that looks thin given the reported fee.

Kostas Tsimikas return offers familiarity not upgrade

Liverpool do of course have another left-back on their books, and if Robertson departs, it seems almost certain that Kostas Tsimikas would be recalled from his loan spell at Roma.

Tsimikas has not enjoyed the best season in Italy, but Liverpool hold a recall option, making his return the most straightforward solution.

Photo: IMAGO

While the Greek international remains a popular figure, this is not a like-for-like replacement. For five years at Anfield, Tsimikas was the understudy. Reliable, yes. Inspiring, occasionally. But superior to Robertson? Not even close.

Bringing him back restores numbers, not quality. At best, it maintains stability. At worst, it exposes Liverpool in one of the most demanding positions on the pitch.

Liverpool strategy under Arne Slot questioned

In a window where Liverpool have chosen not to strengthen, allowing a senior player like Robertson to leave feels like self-sabotage.

Slot has built a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts, yet decisions like this threaten that momentum. Selling experience for sentiment, without a clear upgrade lined up, undermines the very foundations of elite squad building.

Even if Robertson is angling for a new contract, Liverpool hold the leverage. An extension makes far more sense than a rushed exit.

Liverpool must act to protect their own interests

Given the advanced nature of the reporting, it seems likely that Andy Robertson will leave this January. Yet that does not mean Liverpool should accept it quietly.

This move makes Liverpool weaker, plain and simple. Replacing a club legend with a player who has always been second choice is not strategic thinking, it is reactionary management.

At a crucial point in the season, Liverpool need certainty, leadership and depth. Letting Robertson go now removes all three.

Unless a genuine upgrade is already in motion, this transfer risks becoming one of the most baffling decisions of the Arne Slot era.

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