Andy Robertson’s potential move to Tottenham in January now looks increasingly unlikely.
Spurs’ interest arose shortly after they signed a new left back in 19-year-old Joao Victor de Souza Menezes from Santos.
Liverpool were initially open to discussions due to Robertson’s contract situation and his desire for more regular football ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
At that stage, there seemingly was a workable path to a deal, with Liverpool willing to consider a sale if they could secure suitable cover for the position.
However, a new injury and complications surrounding finding a short-term replacement for Robertson have since changed Liverpool’s thinking.
Andy Robertson expected to complete the 2025/26 season with Liverpool
Liverpool did not actively push Robertson towards the exit. But they were willing to consider Tottenham’s £5 million bid for Robertson out of respect for a player who has served the club for almost a decade.
With Milos Kerkez now Liverpool’s left-back, Robertson has become more of a fringe option under Arne Slot and it was accepted that January could be a sensible time for both parties to part ways.
But that view has now changed and it appears Robertson will remain on Merseyside until the summer.
Injury and fitness problems mean Liverpool may still need Andy Robertson
One of the key developments affecting Liverpool’s attitude is the growing concern over defensive fitness.
Joe Gomez had to leave the field with an injury in the first half of the 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth, further limiting Slot’s options to rotate across the backline.
Wataru Endo came on for Gomez before Robertson replaced Kerkez at half-time at the Vitality Stadium.
Slot later confirmed that Kerkez was being carefully managed due to concerns about muscle fatigue after a tough run of games, explaining that it would not have been smart to play him for another 90 minutes.
Liverpool will only let Andy Robertson leave in January when Kostas Tsimikas returns from Roma
Liverpool’s previous willingness to consider a sale was closely linked to the possibility of recalling Kostas Tsimikas from his loan spell at Roma.
The Greece international was seen as a direct short-term replacement, who could step straight back into the team and keep the balance at left-back.
However, attempts to secure Tsimikas’ return have so far been unsuccessful, leaving Liverpool without a natural alternative if Robertson were to leave.
With no option, Slot cannot afford to weaken a position that is already carefully managed from a fitness perspective.
The inability to resolve this situation has become one of the main obstacles to any move in January.
Virgil van Dijk wants Andy Robertson to stay at Liverpool
Robertson also continues to enjoy strong support in the Liverpool dressing room.
After the defeat against Bournemouth, captain Virgil van Dijk made it clear how much he appreciates his old teammate.
“He is my vice-captain. Robbo is a very important member of our team and I want him to stay, but whatever happens, let’s see,” Van Dijk said.
Robertson remains one of the side’s key leaders and his influence extends beyond matchday involvement.
Andy Robertson leaves Liverpool on a free transfer
If Liverpool block a move in January as now expected, Robertson is likely to leave on a free transfer when his contract expires on June 30.
He would leave Anfield having won at least nine major trophies, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Robertson signed for just £8 million from Hull City in 2017 and went on to make 364 appearances for the club and establish himself as one of the most successful full-backs in Liverpool’s modern era.
For Tottenham, attention can now turn to alternative targets, with West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville also wanted by Spurs.
Meanwhile, Souza – originally signed as one for the future – could be quickly ushered into the first team if no further business is completed in January.
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