Liverpool have withdrawn from negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur regarding a potential transfer of left-back Andy Robertson. Spurs made an approach late last week as manager Thomas Frank sought to add experience to his squad.
The Reds listened to the offer in recognition of Robertson's eight-and-a-half-year contribution and his expiring contract this summer. However, after considering their options, the club decided against continuing talks. The Scotland captain, who turns 32 in March, had not requested a move, and Liverpool have no cover for him and Milos Kerkez at left-back.
Robertson has started only four of Liverpool's 23 Premier League matches this season, having lost his place to Kerkez, but has featured in four of seven Champions League fixtures, including against Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and Inter. He came off the bench in the second half of Saturday's defeat at Bournemouth, with manager Arne Slot explaining that Kerkez was withdrawn due to being in the 'red zone'—a state of heightened injury risk.
Slot is dealing with multiple defensive injuries: Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are out for the season, and Joe Gomez was forced off at Bournemouth with a knee bruise. Ibrahima Konaté has missed the last two matches following the death of his father. Captain Virgil van Dijk expressed his desire for Robertson to stay, and Slot said he wants to retain all his players as Liverpool compete in the Champions League and FA Cup.
