La Liga giants Atletico Madrid are rumoured to be interested in Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson as Theo Hernandez’s deal stalls.
Fabrizio Romano is reporting that the Scotland captain is now among the Spanish club’s ideal candidates, with the deal to bring Theo Hernadez back at the club reportedly stalling due to a disagreement with AC Milan over the fee.
Hernandez has already rejected a lucrative move to Al–Hilal, and AC Milan might be keen to cash in on the Frenchman with his contract expiring next season.
Andy Robertson might be a cheaper option for Atletico Madrid, given his age and declining performances for Liverpool in recent seasons. It is for these reasons that Liverpool have been chasing and are rumoured to have secured Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez as they seek to strengthen their side before defending their Premier League title next season.
When asked by BBC Scotland about the rumoured deal for Kerkez, who may replace him, Robertson said, “We’re not daft, it looks as if a deal could potentially be done.”
“I’ve not even given that a second thought, I back myself, I’ve got confidence in my own ability, and that drives me forward.”
The two-time Premier League champion added: “I still believe I have a hell of a lot to give for however many years I can keep going. My body feels good at the minute. I can’t tell you how I’ll feel at 33 or 34, but I can tell you, at 31, I feel excellent.”
Any deal between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid is unlikely, however, with the Reds more likely to offload deputy left-back Kostas Tsimikas. The Greek international has been linked with several other English clubs, including Leeds United, who may be losing Junior Firpo to Real Betis.
The likelihood is that Kerkez will become LFC’s first-choice left-back with Robertson deputising. Although Robertson might prefer first-team football in Spain, especially if he wants to lead his country out at the 2026 World Cup.
The 31-year-old has made 342 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 11 goals and registering 67 assists. The Scottish international has also already won the Champions League, two EFL cups, the FA Cup, the Club World Cup, the European Super Cup and the Community Shield with the Reds.
Atletico Madrid do have a positive success rate with British fullbacks, with Kieron Trippier having spent two years in Spain, winning the La Liga title.
A blockbuster transfer summer for Liverpool?
A potential deal for Kerkez would be just one of the major deals Liverpool are pushing through this summer as they seek to defend their Premier League title.
The Reds have already recruited Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen as a replacement for outgoing right-back Trent Alexander–Arnold, who was unveiled as a Real Madrid player earlier this month.
Highly rated youth goalkeeper Armin Pesci has also recently joined Liverpool from Hungarian side Puskas Akademia for £ 1.5 million. He is likely to be LFC’s new third-choice keeper behind Alisson and fellow new boy Giorgi Mamardashvili after the departure of Caoimhin Kelleher to Brentford earlier this window.
Liverpool are also rumoured to have tied down world-class talent and German international Florian Wirtz for a club record fee that is rumoured to be over £115 million.
Arne Slot will be keen to avoid too much change this window despite the numerous incoming deals. The Dutchman has already seen one of his assistant managers, John Heitinga, leave the club to take the head coach role at Ajax.
Any more departures, especially of senior leadership players like Robertson, may cause more disruption than is necessary ahead of the new season, especially since the deal to take Alexander-Arnold was so well publicised.