David Ornstein: Tottenham Hotspur ‘working on deal’ to sign Premier League legend | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur closing in on Andy Robertson deal

David Ornstein’s report for The Athletic has sent a ripple through both north London and Merseyside. Tottenham working on a deal to sign Andy Robertson from Liverpool feels like one of those moves that, on paper, makes quiet sense for all involved, even if emotionally it still feels slightly jarring.

Spurs had originally planned to wait until the summer, when Robertson would become a free agent, but have accelerated their interest to address an immediate need. Ornstein writes that “amicable negotiations between all parties are advancing as Spurs attempt to land the 31-year-old left-back”. That choice of wording is important, as it reflects the tone around this potential exit. There is no hostility, no standoff, just a veteran professional weighing up his future.

Robertson himself was candid when discussing his situation: “I’ve got five months left and we need to see what the option is to stay or if there’s options to go and things like that.” He added, “I need to sit down with my family and decide.” These are not the words of a player desperate to escape, but of one who understands time is no longer on his side at Anfield.

Liverpool perspective and the Kerkez factor

At Liverpool, the landscape has shifted. Milos Kerkez arriving and quickly establishing himself as first choice has pushed Robertson into unfamiliar territory. Ornstein notes that he has started only four Premier League matches this season, a remarkable statistic for someone who was once indispensable.

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Gregg Evans, analysing the situation, summed it up well: “Robertson will always be remembered as one of Liverpool’s most accomplished left-backs, and among the best value for money arrivals in the club’s history.” He was “a defining presence in Klopp’s Liverpool team”, and although Klopp has since departed, the emotional weight of that era still lingers.

Even now, the relationship remains strong. The article highlights that “Robertson and Liverpool share an extremely strong relationship, meaning he would not want an exit to put them in a bad position”. This is not a forced separation. It feels more like a respectful changing of chapters.

Why Spurs want experience now

From Tottenham’s perspective, the logic is clear. Destiny Udogie’s injuries have left Thomas Frank juggling options, with Djed Spence, Archie Gray and even Micky van de Ven filling in. Ben Davies’ recent ankle fracture only adds urgency.

Ornstein states that Robertson “would add quality, character, experience and leadership”, which reads like a checklist of what Spurs have lacked during an uneven domestic season. Jack Pitt-Brooke reinforced this, saying, “Spurs have looked short on character recently, to put it mildly.” He added that Robertson “could be exactly what they need to drive standards among the squad over the second half of this season and beyond”.

This is not about buying a star at his peak. It is about buying credibility, someone who has lived inside winning dressing rooms and understands the habits required at the highest level.

Timing and World Cup motivation

There is also an international angle. Robertson is set to captain Scotland at the upcoming World Cup, and as Ornstein notes, “that makes game time a key consideration”. A season on the bench does not align with leading a national side into its biggest tournament since 1998.

Robertson himself admitted, “I am a player who wants to play.” That simple line may be the most honest explanation of all. At 31, with plenty still in the tank, this move feels less like decline and more like repositioning.

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From a Tottenham supporter’s point of view, this feels like one of the most sensible bits of business we have attempted in years. Not flashy, not headline grabbing, but deeply practical.

Robertson might not be the flying full-back of his peak Liverpool days, but what he brings is far more valuable for this squad right now. We have young talent everywhere, but very few players who know what it actually means to win consistently. Two Premier League titles, a Champions League, endless high-pressure games, that experience cannot be taught.

What excites me most is the leadership aspect. Jack Pitt-Brooke’s line about driving standards really resonates. You can imagine Robertson in training, setting the tempo, demanding more, refusing to accept sloppy habits. That is exactly what has been missing during this stop-start season.

There is also a psychological boost. Signing someone of his pedigree signals ambition. It tells the dressing room that Spurs are serious about building something solid under Thomas Frank, not just hoping the kids figure it out on their own.

For years we have talked about needing winners, now we are finally going out and getting one. If this deal goes through, it feels less like a gamble and more like a statement of intent, that Spurs are ready to grow up and compete properly again.