“It’s difficult to be definitive” – Arne Slot offers intriguing update on Andy Robertson’s Liverpool future
Arne Slot has suggested that Andy Robertson is likely to stay at Liverpool this season, despite persistent links connecting the Scotland international with a potential move to Premier League rivals Tottenham.
Robertson, who arrived at Anfield from Hull City in 2017, has enjoyed a glittering spell with the Reds, lifting every major honour available and cementing his status as a firm fan favourite on the Kop. However, the 31-year-old has largely played a supporting role this campaign following the arrival of Milos Kerkez, though he looks set to return to the starting XI when Liverpool welcome Qarabag in the Champions League.
“Robbo will be part of the team tomorrow,” Slot said, via the Express. “He’s been with this club for many years and I’m pleased to have him here. Having players available is crucial for us right now. In football nothing is ever completely certain, but yes, I expect him to remain.”
Liverpool’s defensive options are currently stretched, with Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez sidelined through injury and Ibrahima Konaté unavailable after a recent family bereavement. As a result, Robertson is expected to start at left-back against the Azerbaijani side, while Slot has hinted that a midfielder could partner Virgil van Dijk in central defence, according to BBC Sport.
The Reds’ failure to land Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi during the summer transfer window is now proving costly, with no obvious signs of further defensive reinforcements arriving. Despite his professionalism, Robertson has struggled for regular minutes and has openly acknowledged his frustration with a reduced role.
“I want to play,” he told BBC Sport in a recent interview, quoted by Empire of the Kop. “Every footballer does. If you’re happy sitting on the bench, then you probably don’t belong at a football club.”
With just months remaining on his current contract, the vice-captain has admitted he is considering his future ahead of the summer.
“I’ve got five months left, so we’ll have to see what the option is to stay or if there are other opportunities,” he added.
When called upon this season, the Scotland captain has consistently delivered and will be eager to secure more game time during the closing stages of the campaign.
Meanwhile, Kerkez has begun to demonstrate why Liverpool invested £40 million in the Hungarian full-back. The 22-year-old’s attacking drive and defensive determination have stood out in recent weeks, particularly during the 3-0 Champions League win over Marseille. While he still has areas to develop, Robertson could prove the perfect guide, having followed a similar path himself after initially struggling for minutes under Jürgen Klopp before making the left-back role his own with relentless energy and intensity.
