REPORT: Robertson to Spurs off – for now

Initially broken by Paul Joyce at The Times, the report has now been followed up by the likes of Alasdair Gold at Football.London and David Ornstein at The Athletic, with all of them saying the same thing: Liverpool have pulled the plug on a move – but that doesn’t mean a move still can’t happen.

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As much as Spurs are struggling for depth, the Liverpool brass aren’t willing to sacrifice their own, hoping to recall Greek defender Kostas Tsimikas from his loan at Roma to make up numbers. Starting left back Milos Kerkez was pulled at half-time in the Reds’ match against Bournemouth on Saturday as Arne Slot attempted to manage his load, and Joe Gomez has picked an injury, meaning Liverpool aren’t exactly flush with defensive options right now.

Roma, however, have at this stage rejected the recall, currently unable to find a suitable replacement. Why they are able to say “no” is anyone’s guess; there could be clauses that penalize Liverpool in case of an unsanctioned recall, or perhaps Liverpool just don’t want to damage a club-to-club relationship in a move that could have long-term ramifications just to sell somebody who is seen as a club stalwart at Anfield. This does indicate though that if Roma find somebody to step in, Robertson’s transfer to Spurs could still happen.

It’s the latest in a long series of failures in Johan Lange’s transfer business, and though once more circumstances are largely out of Spurs’ control, the need for left back depth has been a pressing need for some time; a need that has been only exacerbated by Ben Davies’ ankle injury. Was Robertson the right option? He’s a solid player who has passing ability, good experience, and wouldn’t cost a ton; but you have to think there are better options out there who won’t command as large a wage and that aren’t in their early 30’s.

Whether Lange (and Spurs) will sign one of those in January is another question that remains to be answered.