Andy Robertson, a left-back for Liverpool, has become Atletico Madrid’s shocking top transfer target. Given that the Reds are finalizing a deal to sign Bournemouth’s £45 million-rate Milos Kerkez, Robertson is anticipated to face fierce competition for his starting position next season.
And as the Spanish team looks to bolster their defensive capabilities this summer, the Scotland international, who is nearing the end of his current contract at Anfield, is near the top of Atletico’s wanted list.
Having previously acquired both Kieran Trippier and Matt Doherty from Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico has recently made it a habit to acquire seasoned full-backs from the Premier League.
Although Liverpool has not yet received an approach from Atletico, should the interest be formally expressed, they would have to make a tough decision regarding Robertson’s future.
The 31-year-old acknowledged earlier this week that, despite discussions with Anfield officials, he was unsure of his plans.
“We’ve had good discussions, me and the club, but what the future holds, I’m not sure,” said Robertson. “I can’t look too far ahead, I never have done that so I’m not going to start doing that now. I know the position I’m in, I know I’ve only got a year left.
“The players that we’re linked with are all younger players and they’re all exciting players as well. So when you play for a big club like Liverpool, you expect challenges, you expect to have competition. I’ve always faced that and so has everyone in their own positions.”
Since making his senior team debut a few months after joining from Hull City in the summer of 2017, Robertson has been the Reds’ undeniable first-choice center-back, making 342 appearances so far.
This season, he made 45 appearances across all competitions, starting 29 games in the Premier League while winning a second championship with the Reds.
Given that Kostas Tsimikas, who has been with Liverpool for nearly five years, is drawing interest from teams in England and overseas, it is highly likely that Kerkez’s anticipated arrival will force one of the team’s current senior left-backs to depart.