Atlético Madrid hopes to prise Robertson away from Slot's Liverpool

Atlético Madrid is hoping, according to The Athletic and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, to sign Andy Robertson from Liverpool. The Scotsman is under contract with the reigning English champions until next summer.

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According to both The Athletic and renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Atlético Madrid has set its sights firmly on Liverpool's veteran left-back Andy Robertson, who is reportedly among the top priorities for the Spanish club this summer.

At 31 years old, Robertson remains one of the most consistent and experienced full-backs in European football, and his wealth of experience at the highest level is seen as a key asset by Diego Simeone’s side, which is undergoing a squad refresh ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Atlético’s desire to reinforce the left side of their defense comes after a season in which their depth and consistency in that position were called into question. The Madrid-based club has been actively scanning the market for a high-caliber solution, and while AC Milan’s Theo Hernández was previously considered a primary candidate, recent developments suggest that the club’s attention has shifted more decisively toward Robertson. Hernández, although younger and highly rated, is now understood to be a secondary option a backup plan in case negotiations for the Scottish defender fall through or prove financially unfeasible.

The pursuit of Robertson, however, may not be straightforward. The Scotland international still has one year left on his current deal with Liverpool, and while the club has not explicitly put him on the market, changes are expected under new manager Arne Slot. With Jürgen Klopp’s departure marking the end of an era, Slot is preparing to put his own stamp on the squad. One of his first significant moves appears to be the signing of Milos Kerkez, a 20-year-old Hungarian international who impressed at AZ Alkmaar before making the switch to Bournemouth in the Premier League. Reports indicate that Liverpool is close to finalizing the deal, and Kerkez is widely regarded as the long-term successor to Robertson at Anfield.

Robertson’s potential departure would mark the end of a highly successful chapter at Liverpool. Since arriving from Hull City in the summer of 2017 for a modest fee of around £8 million, he has grown into one of the most influential players of the Klopp era. Known for his tireless work rate, pinpoint crossing ability, and relentless energy up and down the flank, Robertson became a cornerstone of the Reds’ high-intensity style. He played a crucial role in Liverpool’s domestic and European success, helping the club to two Premier League titles (one officially and one in points-based context during the COVID-19 pandemic), a UEFA Champions League crown in 2019, and several other major honours, including the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.

Statistically, his contribution to Liverpool is nothing short of remarkable. Over the course of eight seasons, he has made 342 official appearances for the club, registering 11 goals and a staggering 67 assists numbers that underscore his creative influence from a defensive position. Moreover, Robertson has worn the captain’s armband for the Scottish national team for several years, leading his country in major international tournaments and bringing invaluable leadership qualities to both club and country.

Despite being on the wrong side of 30, Robertson has shown little sign of physical decline. His performances last season were still marked by the same aggression, stamina, and tactical intelligence that have defined his career. Nevertheless, Liverpool’s long-term planning especially in light of a managerial change suggests that now might be the right time for a transition. A move to La Liga, and particularly to a defensively disciplined team like Atlético Madrid, could suit Robertson's style well, providing him with a new challenge at a high level while also enabling Liverpool to refresh their squad with younger talent.

From Atlético’s perspective, Robertson’s experience in the Champions League and his leadership skills are exactly what they need as they aim to close the gap with Real Madrid and Barcelona domestically, and with Europe’s elite in continental competitions. Negotiations are expected to hinge not only on transfer fees and contract length but also on the player's willingness to leave a club where he has established himself as a fan favorite and a leader.

While nothing has been finalized yet, the growing reports suggest that this could be one of the key defensive moves of the summer transfer window. Should Robertson make the switch to Madrid, it would mark the end of an era at Anfield and the beginning of a new chapter for both the player and his potential new club.

Updated: 03:37, 14 Jun 2025

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