Andy Robertson Source: Imago Images
Andy Robertson has been part of a Liverpool era where they have won everything, including the Premier League and the Champions League, and is likely to go down as a club legend. The left-back has been a pivotal player for multiple Liverpool teams and is still only 30. However, there have been signs of wear and tear and he has particularly struggled to hold down a place in Arne Slot’s team this season.
Robertson will go down as one of the best pieces of transfer business in the club’s history. He was signed on a free transfer from Hull City in the summer of 2017 after the Tigers got relegated from the Premier League.
He was synonymous with Jurgen Klopp’s style of football and quickly became a fan favourite because of his ability to go up and down the left flank and his combative nature on the pitch.
However, Robertson is now in his 30s now and he missed pre-season due to an injury. That is a setback, it seems, he is still recovering from and has been forced to play catch up in terms of his fitness under new manager Slot.
The Liverpool manager has been supportive towards the Scot but he is no longer a certainty with Kostas Tsimikas playing a lot more this season than previously anticipated.
Liverpool are also keeping tabs on younger left-backs despite the club insisting that they won’t sign a left-back given Slot is happy with Robertson and Tsimikas.
However, there is too much smoke to have no fire at all and it is possibly the right time for Liverpool to bring in a younger replacement for Robertson.
Andy Robertson needs to stay on but the Reds also need his replacement
Robertson won’t be moved on anytime soon and there is now talk that the club will offer him a new contract at the end of the season.
However, Liverpool should be looking to bring in a younger left-back who will go on to replace the Scotsman in the long run. Arne Slot’s football needs someone younger who is fit enough to carry out his instructions.
Next summer will be the right time for the club to make their move and they have the money to fund the arrival of a top-class young left-back at the end of the season.
Can you name the team Liverpool sold these players to?
Top football observer Mick Brown has revealed that Liverpool are in the market for Robertson’s replacement and they are looking at Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez and Fulham’s Antonee Robinson.
He stressed that Robertson won’t be leaving but the club want his replacement in the building while he is still good enough to be in Slot’s team.
“They want to sign a like-for-like replacement for Robertson”, Brown told Football Insider.
“Kerkez is a player who fits that bill, and I’m told they’ve been looking at Antonee Robinson from Fulham.
“Robertson has been a revelation for Liverpool, up and down that left flank he’s been so influential for them for so many years now.
“But I think they want to sign a younger option because they’re planning for the future.
“I wouldn’t expect Robertson to leave any time soon, he’ll still be there, but he’ll have to be replaced eventually, and they’re putting plans in place for that ahead of January.
“One issue is that there’s a lack of real top-class left-backs about and lots of clubs who need one.
“But Kerkez and Robinson are two they’ve been looking at and there are probably others on their shortlist, so we’ll see what happens.”
About the Author
