Atletico step up interest in Liverpool defender | OneFootball

Robertson Faces Exit as Atletico Madrid Circle and Liverpool Eye Further Business

Shift at Left-Back Signals Robertson Departure

Andy Robertson’s distinguished Liverpool tenure could be drawing to a close as Atlético Madrid step up their pursuit of a new left-back. With Milos Kerkez’s imminent arrival from Bournemouth, Robertson’s role as Liverpool’s first-choice full-back looks increasingly uncertain.

Photo: IMAGO

As reported by The Times and cited in the Daily Express, Atlético have moved on from Aston Villa’s Lucas Digne, who would cost around £10 million, and are instead focusing their attention on Robertson. The Scotland international, now 31, has just one year left on his contract and could be available for a modest fee of £5 million.

Robertson’s potential exit would mark the end of a remarkable seven-year spell on Merseyside that yielded two Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph. His departure, however, appears more pragmatic than sentimental, as Liverpool look to evolve under Arne Slot.

Photo IMAGO

Slot’s Restructuring Continues with More Departures Likely

The decision to prioritise youth and athleticism is clear. Kerkez, aged just 20, fits the profile of Slot’s desired full-back: dynamic, aggressive, and tactically versatile. His expected £40 million move is part of a wider investment that already includes Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, who arrived for a combined £146 million.

Photo: IMAGO

In a bid to offset these outlays, Liverpool are actively managing exits. Jarell Quansah is close to joining Bayer Leverkusen in a £35 million deal, further underlining the club’s focus on balancing spending with financial sustainability.

Alvarez Interest Adds Further Intrigue

While exits dominate the current narrative, Liverpool’s ambition in the market remains undiminished. Julian Alvarez, now at Atlético Madrid following his move from Manchester City, is once again being linked with a return to the Premier League. The Argentine scored 29 goals last season and has admirers at Anfield.

Photo IMAGO

Reports suggest a fee in the region of £65 million may be required, but with the Reds still actively planning, further movement cannot be ruled out.

Strategic Shifts Under Slot

Slot’s Liverpool is beginning to take shape: younger, faster, more flexible. In this context, Robertson’s exit feels like the natural conclusion to a brilliant chapter. It is not a reflection of decline, but of evolution.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For many Liverpool fans, the idea of Andy Robertson leaving still feels abstract. He has been a symbol of the modern era, a tireless and committed presence on the left, and one of the most consistent players in the post-2017 Klopp rebuild. To lose him for just £5 million, even with his contract running down, feels like a gut punch.

But context matters. His performances dipped last season, injuries played a part, and with Slot reshaping the tactical system, perhaps a more mobile, inverted profile like Kerkez is a better fit going forward. Still, it’s hard to shake the feeling that Robertson has more to offer — if not as first-choice, then as a key dressing room figure in a transition year.

The Alvarez links are exciting, no doubt. A forward with his scoring record and versatility would be a major statement. But fans will rightly wonder whether addressing midfield depth or defensive balance should come first. Liverpool’s recruitment team have earned a degree of trust, but with every exit, particularly one as emotionally significant as Robertson’s, the scrutiny only increases.