Tottenham Hotspur have encountered a significant setback in their pursuit of Liverpool defender Andy Robertson, with a proposed £5 million transfer now reported to have stalled. This development comes after comments from Reds manager Arne Slot, who has emphasised the need to retain all his players amidst injury concerns.
Transfer Twist for Spurs
The North London club had been in advanced talks to sign the Scotland captain, who is seen as a proven winner with experience that could bolster their squad. Robertson, aged 31, has just six months remaining on his contract at Anfield and has lost his starting place this season to Milos Kerkez, making a move seem likely. Initial reports suggested a deal in principle had been agreed between the clubs for a permanent transfer at the bargain price of £5 million.
Why the Deal Has Stalled
However, Sky Sports has revealed that the transfer has hit a snag, as it was contingent on Liverpool securing cover at left-back. The Reds have been attempting to recall Kostas Tsimikas from his season-long loan at AS Roma, but this move is now looking more unlikely with just a week left before the transfer window closes. Italian club AS Roma would need to find a replacement for Tsimikas to agree to his return, complicating matters further.
This stall poses a challenge for Tottenham, who are keen to add experienced players before the deadline. With Ben Davies sidelined due to a serious ankle injury requiring surgery, Robertson was viewed as an ideal candidate to strengthen their defensive options. His track record includes winning two Premier League titles and a Champions League with Liverpool, notably defeating Spurs in the 2019 final.
Manager's Influence on the Situation
Adding to the twist, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has publicly addressed Robertson's potential exit, stating after a recent defeat to Bournemouth that he requires all his players available. Slot explained his tactical decisions, noting that Robertson was brought in at half-time to manage Kerkez's workload and prevent further injuries. He stressed the importance of squad depth, especially with Joe Gomez picking up an injury, making it less feasible for the club to allow another experienced defender to depart.
Slot commented: "I think I need all my players. Robbo had to come in at half-time, in my opinion. I always knew that for Milos, another 90 minutes against a very intense Bournemouth side was not a possibility for him, so I knew I would have to bring Robertson in. There's a lot of games to be played with the players available. I have to manage that as well. The last thing we could need right now is another injury."
As the transfer window approaches its closure, Tottenham must now reassess their strategy, with this stalled deal highlighting the complexities of mid-season negotiations in football.
