Tottenham Hotspur are in pole position to sign Andy Robertson as a free agent this summer, subject to retaining their Premier League status.
Liverpool announced on Thursday evening that Robertson, 32, would be leaving the club when his contract expires at the end of the season after nine glittering years at Anfield.
The Athletic reported in January that Spurs had held talks over recruiting the Scotland international but Liverpool were ultimately unwilling to sanction a mid-season departure.
Robertson’s professionalism and commitment to Liverpool were never in question, so a switch would only have materialised if it suited all parties.
His focus on Liverpool means nothing is finalised and there remains strong interest from elsewhere in Europe, but the groundwork undertaken by Tottenham in the winter market and the appeal of the opportunity to Robertson leaves the north London side poised to complete a deal if they avoid relegation.
Spurs are currently 17th in the Premier League table and one point above the relegation zone with seven games of the campaign remaining.
Robertson has been Liverpool’s first-choice left-back for the majority of his time since joining from Hull City in 2017, but has fallen down the pecking order following the summer arrival of Milos Kerkez, 22, from Bournemouth.
He has made 31 appearances in all competitions this season, but started only six matches in the Premier League.
The Scot is expected to captain his country at this summer’s World Cup, where they will face Brazil, Haiti and Morocco in Group C.
Robertson would help address cultural issues at Spurs
Analysis by Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Elias Burke
Tottenham are short on leadership, left-back depth and winners at the elite level — Robertson helps to solve all three areas. The Athletic reported Tottenham’s strong interest in the Scotland captain in January, and they could have done with his qualities in the second half of the season, with injuries to Ben Davies and Destiny Udogie leaving Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor short of depth on the left side of defence.
Robertson has won every major trophy at Anfield, and would therefore bring a winning know-how to a squad who has underperformed significantly in the Premier League for consecutive seasons. While, at 32, he may not be the player he was in his prime, his experience in helping to drive a winning culture in the Liverpool dressing room under Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot could prove invaluable as Spurs aim to restore their position as a club competing for European places.
He could also help with the development of 23-year-old Udogie, who has been in and out of the Tottenham side this season with injury, and 19-year-old Souza, who was signed from Santos in Brazil in January and has made four league appearances.
Experienced players were important for new head coach Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton & Hove Albion, and Robertson could assume a similar role. And, given he is seemingly keen to play more football after having a reduced role at Liverpool this term, Spurs, providing they beat the drop, should offer Robertson the chance to share minutes with Udogie and Souza in the coming years.
What is Robertson’s Liverpool legacy?
Analysis from Liverpool correspondent Gregg Evans
Although this comes as no real surprise, it’s still a sad moment for supporters as they prepare to wave goodbye to a club legend.
Robertson’s journey at Liverpool is the embodiment of grit, leadership, and star quality. He was signed with little fanfare but quickly silenced any doubters with his determination and consistency.
His tireless running down the flank, pinpoint deliveries, and defensive tenacity made him indispensable during one of the most successful periods in Liverpool’s history, but beyond achievements and trophies, it’s his character that cements his legacy.
Vocal, passionate, and fiercely committed, he has helped set the standards for years, and even in more recent weeks, he’s continued to remain the ultimate professional with his attitude towards playing and the future.