Liverpool pull plug on Andy Robertson move to Tottenham after Arne Slot comments | Football | Sport
Liverpool have called off Andy Robertson‘s potential transfer to Tottenham. The left-back had been on the verge of a £5million January transfer window move to north London as his Anfield contract nears its end. Despite initial struggles from £40m summer signing Milos Kerkez, the Hungarian international’s form has improved, leaving Robertson out of the team.
However, according to The Times, Liverpool have ceased all negotiations and will not entertain the idea of letting him go midway through the season. The Premier League heavyweights have informed Tottenham that they’ve been unable to secure a suitable replacement for the 31-year-old. This decision was made less than a day after Robertson was brought on as a substitute during Saturday’s match against Bournemouth. Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed his desire for the Scottish international to remain at the club beyond the January transfer window.
He stated: “I think I need all of my players. I thought, let’s bring Robbo in at half-time to make sure Milos [Kerkez] stays available for the rest of the season, because there are a lot of games to be played with the players that are available. I have to manage that, as well, because the last thing we need right now is another injury.”
Robertson had been seeking consistent playing time ahead of the World Cup and looks set to end nine-and-a-half glittering years at Liverpool for a new challenge in the Premier League. Robertson – who has been linked with boyhood club Celtic – has lifted two Premier League titles and the Champions League as well as the FA Cup and the League Cup with the Reds.
Vice-captain Robertson was also told by skipper Virgil van Dijk to remain on Merseyside. Van Dijk said: “He’s my vice-captain. Robbo is a very important member of our team and I want him to stay but whatever happens, let’s see.”
On the possibility of Robertson leaving before the window shuts, Slot told journalists: “What do you think my answer is going to be? Have I ever said anything about transfers in front of these microphones.
“My answer is always the same and it’s quite boring to always give the same answer – we don’t talk about transfers in public.”
Liverpool had opened talks with Robertson recently about the prospect of signing a new contract. The veteran defender said this month: “We’ll see what happens. We’ve had chats now which will remain private. I’ve spoken to them and we’ll see what happens. Would I like to stay? Yes, but it’s a difficult question to ask. I’ve got five months left and we need to see the option to stay or if there’s options to go and things like that.
“I’ll sit down with my family and decide. After a stressful summer, I’m just trying to enjoy being a part of it, and being a Liverpool player. I wanted to qualify for the World Cup and thankfully we’ve managed to do that. I need to see what myself and my family wants moving forward.”
