Andy Robertson’s potential January move to Tottenham now looks increasingly unlikely.
Spurs’ interest emerged shortly after they signed another left-back in 19-year-old Joao Victor de Souza Menezes from Santos.
Liverpool were initially open to discussions due to Robertson’s contract situation and his desire for more regular football ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
At that stage, there was seemingly a workable pathway to an agreement, with Liverpool prepared to consider a sale if they could secure suitable cover in the position.
However, a fresh injury blow and complications around sourcing a short-term replacement for Robertson have since shifted Liverpool’s thinking.
Andy Robertson expected to complete 2025/26 season with Liverpool
Liverpool were not actively pushing Robertson towards the exit. But they were willing to consider Tottenham’s £5 million bid for Robertson out of respect for a player who has served the club for nearly a decade.
With Milos Kerkez now Liverpool’s first-choice left-back, Robertson has become more of a fringe option under Arne Slot, and there was an acceptance that January might offer a sensible moment for both parties to part ways.
But that view has now changed and Robertson looks set to remain on Merseyside until the summer.
Injury and fitness issues mean Liverpool might still need Andy Robertson
One of the key developments affecting Liverpool’s stance has been growing concern over defensive fitness.
Joe Gomez was forced off with an injury during the first half of Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth, further limiting Slot’s ability to rotate across the back line.
Wataru Endo came on for Gomez, before Robertson replaced Kerkez at half-time at the Vitality Stadium.
Slot later confirmed that Kerkez was being carefully managed due to concerns over muscle fatigue after a heavy run of fixtures, explaining that it would not have been smart to play him for another full 90 minutes.
Liverpool will only let Andy Robertson leave in January if Kostas Tsimikas returns from Roma
Liverpool’s earlier willingness to consider a sale was closely linked to the possibility of recalling Kostas Tsimikas from his loan spell at Roma.
The Greek international was seen as a direct short-term replacement who could step straight back into the squad and maintain balance at left-back.
However, attempts to secure Tsimikas’ return have so far been unsuccessful, leaving Liverpool without a natural alternative if Robertson were to depart.
With no option in place, Slot cannot afford to weaken a position that is already being carefully managed from a fitness perspective.
The failure to resolve that situation has become one of the main obstacles to any January move.
Virgil van Dijk wants Andy Robertson to stay at Liverpool
Robertson also continues to command strong support within the Liverpool dressing room.
After the defeat to Bournemouth, captain Virgil van Dijk made clear how highly he values his long-time team-mate.
“He is my vice-captain. Robbo is a very important member of our team and I want him to stay, but whatever happens, let’s see,” Van Dijk said.
Robertson remains one of the squad’s senior leaders, and his influence extends beyond matchday involvement.
Andy Robertson to leave Liverpool on a free transfer
If, as now expected, Liverpool block a January move, Robertson is likely to leave on a free transfer when his contract expires on June 30.
He would depart Anfield having won at least nine major trophies, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Signed from Hull City for just £8 million in 2017, Robertson has gone on to make 364 appearances for the club and establish himself as one of the most successful full-backs in Liverpool’s modern era.
For Tottenham, attention may now turn to alternative targets, with West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville also wanted by Spurs.
Meanwhile, Souza — originally signed as one for the future — could be fast-tracked into first-team contention if no further January business is completed.
