Van Dijk Advocates for Robertson’s Retention at Liverpool Amid Transfer Talks

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has publicly stated his desire for Andy Robertson to remain with the club, highlighting the left-back’s significance within the squad.

This week, Tottenham Hotspur initiated discussions to acquire Robertson, whose contract expires in the summer. Van Dijk remarked, “He’s my vice-captain. Robbo is a very important member of our team, and I want him to stay, but whatever happens, we’ll see.”

Robertson was signed by Liverpool from Hull City for £8 million in 2017 during Jurgen Klopp’s tenure and has since made 364 appearances for the club. The 31-year-old has achieved considerable success, winning nine trophies, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Though no longer Liverpool’s first-choice left-back, Robertson is eager for regular playing time and is contemplating options that would facilitate that. He was substituted in during the second half of Saturday’s defeat against Bournemouth but has only started four Premier League matches this season.

When asked if he expected Robertson to participate in Liverpool’s upcoming Champions League match against Qarabag, Van Dijk replied, “That’s not on me, is it?” He refrained from sharing his fondest memories with Robertson, stating he would only discuss such matters if a move were to materialize.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot declined to comment on Robertson’s potential transfer, quipping, “What do you think my answer is going to be? Have I ever said anything about transfers in front of these microphones?” He maintained a consistent stance on avoiding discussions about transfers in public.

Following the loss against Bournemouth, Slot addressed the fatigue evident among his players after their midweek victory in Marseille. The match saw Joe Gomez exit due to injury, while Kerkez was replaced by Robertson at halftime, and right-back Jeremie Frimpong was substituted shortly after.

As Liverpool sought to recover from the deficit, they fielded a back four that included two midfielders, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, alongside Van Dijk and Robertson. The team is currently dealing with a lack of depth in the squad.

While Robertson is considering his future ahead of the World Cup this summer, it would be perplexing for Liverpool to allow such an experienced player to depart in January, especially with their continued involvement in the Champions League and the ongoing battle for qualification next season.

For sporting director Richard Hughes, the dilemma lies in whether losing a vital player in the dressing room for a minimal fee is justifiable. There is a possibility that Kostas Tsimikas could return from his loan at AS Roma if Robertson leaves, yet this would not adequately address the team’s needs.

“I need all my players,” stated Slot, suggesting that Robertson’s substitution on Saturday was a clear indication of his value. Ultimately, Robertson’s desire to play regularly will guide the forthcoming decisions, with both club and player interests in mind. As Liverpool continues its campaigns in Europe and the FA Cup, the need for squad rotation will increase, making it less favorable for the club to permit Robertson’s exit this month.