Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur closing in on Andy Robertson deal

David Ornstein’s report for has despatched a ripple via each north London and Merseyside. Tottenham engaged on a deal to signal Andy Robertson from Liverpool looks like a type of strikes that, on paper, makes quiet sense for all concerned, even when emotionally it nonetheless feels barely jarring.

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Spurs had initially deliberate to attend till the summer season, when Robertson would grow to be a free agent, however have accelerated their curiosity to handle a right away want. Ornstein writes that “amicable negotiations between all events are advancing as Spurs try to land the 31-year-old left-back”. That selection of wording is essential, because it displays the tone round this potential exit. There isn’t any hostility, no standoff, only a veteran skilled weighing up his future.

Robertson himself was candid when discussing his scenario: “I’ve obtained 5 months left and we have to see what the choice is to remain or if there’s choices to go and issues like that.” He added, “I want to sit down down with my household and determine.” These usually are not the phrases of a participant determined to flee, however of 1 who understands time is not on his aspect at Anfield.

Liverpool perspective and the Kerkez issue

At Liverpool, the panorama has shifted. Milos Kerkez arriving and rapidly establishing himself as first selection has pushed Robertson into unfamiliar territory. Ornstein notes that he has began solely 4 Premier League matches this season, a outstanding statistic for somebody who was as soon as indispensable.

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Gregg Evans, analysing the scenario, summed it up properly: “Robertson will at all times be remembered as one among Liverpool’s most achieved left-backs, and among the many finest worth for cash arrivals within the membership’s historical past.” He was “a defining presence in Klopp’s Liverpool staff”, and though Klopp has since departed, the emotional weight of that period nonetheless lingers.

Even now, the connection stays robust. The article highlights that “Robertson and Liverpool share an especially robust relationship, which means he wouldn’t need an exit to place them in a nasty place”. This isn’t a compelled separation. It feels extra like a respectful altering of chapters.

Why Spurs need expertise now

From Tottenham’s perspective, the logic is evident. Future Udogie’s accidents have left Thomas Frank juggling choices, with Djed Spence, Archie Grey and even Micky van de Ven filling in. Ben Davies’ current ankle fracture solely provides urgency.

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Ornstein states that Robertson “would add high quality, character, expertise and management”, which reads like a guidelines of what Spurs have lacked throughout an uneven home season. Jack Pitt-Brooke strengthened this, saying, “Spurs have seemed quick on character just lately, to place it mildly.” He added that Robertson “may very well be precisely what they should drive requirements among the many squad over the second half of this season and past”.

This isn’t about shopping for a star at his peak. It’s about shopping for credibility, somebody who has lived inside successful dressing rooms and understands the habits required on the highest degree.

Timing and World Cup motivation

There’s additionally a world angle. Robertson is ready to captain Scotland on the upcoming World Cup, and as Ornstein notes, “that makes sport time a key consideration”. A season on the bench doesn’t align with main a nationwide aspect into its largest match since 1998.

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Robertson himself admitted, “I’m a participant who needs to play.” That straightforward line could be the most trustworthy clarification of all. At 31, with a lot nonetheless within the tank, this transfer feels much less like decline and extra like repositioning.

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From a Tottenham supporter’s viewpoint, this looks like probably the most smart bits of enterprise we now have tried in years. Not flashy, not headline grabbing, however deeply sensible.

Robertson may not be the flying full-back of his peak Liverpool days, however what he brings is way extra precious for this squad proper now. We now have younger expertise all over the place, however only a few gamers who know what it really means to win persistently. Two Premier League titles, a Champions League, infinite high-pressure video games, that have can’t be taught.

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What excites me most is the management side. Jack Pitt-Brooke’s line about driving requirements actually resonates. You possibly can think about Robertson in coaching, setting the tempo, demanding extra, refusing to simply accept sloppy habits. That’s precisely what has been lacking throughout this stop-start season.

There’s additionally a psychological increase. Signing somebody of his pedigree alerts ambition. It tells the dressing room that Spurs are severe about constructing one thing stable beneath Thomas Frank, not simply hoping the children determine it out on their very own.

For years we now have talked about needing winners, now we’re lastly going out and getting one. If this deal goes via, it feels much less like a bet and extra like an announcement of intent, that Spurs are able to develop up and compete correctly once more.