Liverpool have blocked Andy Robertson’s January transfer move to Tottenham Hotspur.
It had looked as though the Scotland international was all set for a move to London.
However, an increasing injury list has seen Liverpool cancel the deal with just days of the window left.
The news comes as a major blow to under-pressure Tottenham manager Thomas Frank who is 7/2 in the Premier League sack race odds.
Anfield Injury Crisis Sparks Transfer U-Turn
The decision to block Andy Robertson’s Liverpool exit follows a bruising weekend for the Reds.
During Saturday’s last-ditch defeat by Bournemouth, defender Joe Gomez was forced off in the first half.
He joins Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni on the treatment table. With Ibrahima Konate also absent due to personal reasons.
Therefore, defensive options have worn thin for struggling Arne Slot.
While Robertson has lost his starting left-back spot to summer signing Milos Kerkez this season, his versatility and experience are now viewed as indispensable for the remainder of the campaign.
Speaking after the Bournemouth clash, Slot made his stance clear.
He said: “I think I need all of my players. The last thing we need right now is another injury. I have to manage the squad because there are a lot of games to be played.”
Tottenham’s Search for Experience Thwarted
The news comes as a significant blow to Tottenham who were keen on signing the two-time Premier League winner.
Thomas Frank had identified Robertson as a key addition to bring “much-needed experience” to his leaky defence.
The defender is out of contract at the end of the season and the move was seen as a way of receiving some money for a club legend.
Robertson’s Professionalism Amid Uncertainty
Despite being in contract limbo, Andy Robertson has not agitated for a move.
He has only featured four times this season but teammate and captain Virgil van Dijk wants the Scot to stay.
Van Dijk said: “He’s my vice-captain. Robbo is a very important member of our team and I want him to stay.”
What Next for Robertson and Spurs?
While the January window appears closed for Robertson, his long-term future remains a talking point.
With his contract winding down, a free transfer in the summer remains a high probability, with Tottenham likely to remain among the interested parties.
For now, Liverpool are exploring the possibility of recalling Kostas Tsimikas from his loan spell at AS Roma to provide further cover.
Liverpool fans will see the retention of a club legend as a win for squad depth, but for Tottenham it’s more bad news.