Archive June 14, 2025

Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Liverpool defender Andy Robertson as the Anfield club edge towards a deal to bring in Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez as their first-choice left-back.

Robertson said last week he had not given his future much thought, with his focus on a enjoying a well-earned holiday after another long and successful season in which he won the Premier League for the second time.

But with the transfer window opening in a few days, the Anfield mainstay and Scotland captain’s club future is unclear for the first time in eight years.

Kerkez would probably cost between £45m-£50m and is expected to be Arne Slot’s preferred choice at left-back.

Robertson has had a very successful stint on Merseyside since joining from Hull City in 2017, and has a year left on his deal.

He has won everything, adding a second league title last season as Arne Slot’s side comfortably claimed the Premier League. Robertson was still a big part of that, starting 33 of 38 games.

And though some fans might be ready to move on, at 31 the defender is willing to fight for his place.

“I’m not getting any younger – I can’t change my age – but I still believe I’ve got a lot to give,” Robertson told BBC Sport Scotland while on international duty last week.

“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.”

With his family settled in the city and his place as a club legend seemingly assured, moving away would be a big change.

Plus Robertson will probably have taken note of the acrimony around Trent Alexander-Arnold’s recent exit for Real Madrid.

Those situations are not directly comparable given Alexander-Arnold is a local boy and academy product, who at 26 potentially has his peak years in front of him, and it was his departure on a free transfer that particularly rankled with many.

If Kerkez does join and bump Robertson down the pecking order, a switch to another Premier League club cannot be ruled out.

However, with Atletico prioritising him as their left-back target this summer, a move outside of the UK for the first time is on the table.

Robertson was asked about the benefits of playing abroad while on international duty last week, in reference to Scotland team-mates Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay, who won Serie A in their first season at Napoli.

“When these players play abroad they see a different way of playing and lifestyle,” he said. “That can only help.

“Young lads coming through might now be thinking ‘I want to go and try that’. That’s credit to those lads stepping out of their comfort zone.”

It will not have escaped Robertson’s notice just how much of a hero McTominay now is in Naples after leading them to the Scudetto, while being named the league’s best player.

With Cesar Azpilicueta and fellow left-back Reinildo Mandava out of contract, Atletico head coach Diego Simeone has set his eyes on replacements.

The Argentine has become renowned for intense, aggressive play over his 14 years at the club, winning two La Liga titles and reaching two Champions League finals.

Despite a few attempts to reinvent his style, defensive solidity is still a priority and Atletico had the second-best defensive record in La Liga last term.

While Robertson was renowned for his assists in Jurgen Klopp’s successful spell, he can do both sides of the game.

BBC Sport asked fans to get in touch with their views on Robertson’s future recently, and here are some of the replies.

Robert: Robbo has been a fantastic player but his recent mistakes have led to goals conceded and this would be a problem in what I expect to be a tougher season.

Callum: Robbo has been a great player for Liverpool, a real legend. Last season it was mistake after mistake at times and I think it’s down to his game being all about high intensity and his age creeping up on him. His minutes need to be managed now, but he definitely still has a place in the squad.

Jimmy: Looks like Robertson’s time as the number one left-back could be coming to an end. Robertson might have to get used to being the back-up for Kerkez.

AnfieldRed: Robbo is our left-back. Whoever comes in has to knock him out of the position and not the other way round. He’s got nothing to prove. Always need a Scot in the team.

Neil: Move him on given his contract status. Tsimikas is an able back-up.

Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Liverpool defender Andy Robertson as the Anfield club edge towards a deal to bring in Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez as their first-choice left-back.

Robertson said last week he had not given his future much thought, with his focus on a enjoying a well-earned holiday after another long and successful season in which he won the Premier League for the second time.

But with the transfer window opening in a few days, the Anfield mainstay and Scotland captain’s club future is unclear for the first time in eight years.

Kerkez would probably cost between £45m-£50m and is expected to be Arne Slot’s preferred choice at left-back.

Robertson has had a very successful stint on Merseyside since joining from Hull City in 2017, and has a year left on his deal.

He has won everything, adding a second league title last season as Arne Slot’s side comfortably claimed the Premier League. Robertson was still a big part of that, starting 33 of 38 games.

And though some fans might be ready to move on, at 31 the defender is willing to fight for his place.

“I’m not getting any younger – I can’t change my age – but I still believe I’ve got a lot to give,” Robertson told BBC Sport Scotland while on international duty last week.

“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.”

With his family settled in the city and his place as a club legend seemingly assured, moving away would be a big change.

Plus Robertson will probably have taken note of the acrimony around Trent Alexander-Arnold’s recent exit for Real Madrid.

Those situations are not directly comparable given Alexander-Arnold is a local boy and academy product, who at 26 potentially has his peak years in front of him, and it was his departure on a free transfer that particularly rankled with many.

If Kerkez does join and bump Robertson down the pecking order, a switch to another Premier League club cannot be ruled out.

However, with Atletico prioritising him as their left-back target this summer, a move outside of the UK for the first time is on the table.

Robertson was asked about the benefits of playing abroad while on international duty last week, in reference to Scotland team-mates Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay, who won Serie A in their first season at Napoli.

“When these players play abroad they see a different way of playing and lifestyle,” he said. “That can only help.

“Young lads coming through might now be thinking ‘I want to go and try that’. That’s credit to those lads stepping out of their comfort zone.”

It will not have escaped Robertson’s notice just how much of a hero McTominay now is in Naples after leading them to the Scudetto, while being named the league’s best player.

With Cesar Azpilicueta and fellow left-back Reinildo Mandava out of contract, Atletico head coach Diego Simeone has set his eyes on replacements.

The Argentine has become renowned for intense, aggressive play over his 14 years at the club, winning two La Liga titles and reaching two Champions League finals.

Despite a few attempts to reinvent his style, defensive solidity is still a priority and Atletico had the second-best defensive record in La Liga last term.

While Robertson was renowned for his assists in Jurgen Klopp’s successful spell, he can do both sides of the game.

BBC Sport asked fans to get in touch with their views on Robertson’s future recently, and here are some of the replies.

Robert: Robbo has been a fantastic player but his recent mistakes have led to goals conceded and this would be a problem in what I expect to be a tougher season.

Callum: Robbo has been a great player for Liverpool, a real legend. Last season it was mistake after mistake at times and I think it’s down to his game being all about high intensity and his age creeping up on him. His minutes need to be managed now, but he definitely still has a place in the squad.

Jimmy: Looks like Robertson’s time as the number one left-back could be coming to an end. Robertson might have to get used to being the back-up for Kerkez.

AnfieldRed: Robbo is our left-back. Whoever comes in has to knock him out of the position and not the other way round. He’s got nothing to prove. Always need a Scot in the team.

Neil: Move him on given his contract status. Tsimikas is an able back-up.

St Helens moved to the top of Women’s Super League by dominating Barrow to edge above previous leaders Wigan Warriors on Saturday.

Saints won 40-6 at sixth-placed Barrow for their third victory in the opening four games of the season.

After leading by just two points at half-time, St Helens scored six times in the second half without reply.

Elsewhere on Saturday, York Valkyrie beat Leigh Leopards 26-0 to move level on points with their fourth-placed opponents and third-placed Huddersfield Giants.

St Helens enjoyed a bright start but Barrow registered the first points of the game as Nicole Stewart bundled over for a try and added the conversion.

Saints responded just before the 30-minute mark as Phoebe Hook sprinted over on the right-hand side but Faye Gaskin’s conversion attempt bounced off the upright.

Hook scored in the right corner for her second try of the game shortly after to given St Helens the lead for the first time in the match at 8-6.

After half-time, Saints increased that lead as Gaskin sent a kick into the Barrow 20 that was picked up by Rachael Woosey who sprinted into space over for a try.

Woosey then found a gap and ran through once again for four more points.

St Helens found a fifth try of the game just before the hour mark, Vicky Whitfield touching down right underneath the posts, and Gaskin converting.

After a tense and nervy start between Leigh and York it was the away side that managed to get the first points on the board, 30 minutes into the first half.

York made the most of a scrum 35 metres from the goal-line and worked the ball out to the right where Izzy Bibby was able to take the ball across the line for a try.

Less than ten minutes later, they added their second try as Eboni Partington made it over the line after Leigh were penalised for a high tackle just five metres out.

York got off to the perfect start in the second half as Sinead Peach powered through defenders and over the line, Williamson adding the conversion after missing her prior two efforts.

St Helens moved to the top of Women’s Super League by dominating Barrow to edge above previous leaders Wigan Warriors on Saturday.

Saints won 40-6 at sixth-placed Barrow for their third victory in the opening four games of the season.

After leading by just two points at half-time, St Helens scored six times in the second half without reply.

Elsewhere on Saturday, York Valkyrie beat Leigh Leopards 26-0 to move level on points with their fourth-placed opponents and third-placed Huddersfield Giants.

St Helens enjoyed a bright start but Barrow registered the first points of the game as Nicole Stewart bundled over for a try and added the conversion.

Saints responded just before the 30-minute mark as Phoebe Hook sprinted over on the right-hand side but Faye Gaskin’s conversion attempt bounced off the upright.

Hook scored in the right corner for her second try of the game shortly after to given St Helens the lead for the first time in the match at 8-6.

After half-time, Saints increased that lead as Gaskin sent a kick into the Barrow 20 that was picked up by Rachael Woosey who sprinted into space over for a try.

Woosey then found a gap and ran through once again for four more points.

St Helens found a fifth try of the game just before the hour mark, Vicky Whitfield touching down right underneath the posts, and Gaskin converting.

After a tense and nervy start between Leigh and York it was the away side that managed to get the first points on the board, 30 minutes into the first half.

York made the most of a scrum 35 metres from the goal-line and worked the ball out to the right where Izzy Bibby was able to take the ball across the line for a try.

Less than ten minutes later, they added their second try as Eboni Partington made it over the line after Leigh were penalised for a high tackle just five metres out.

York got off to the perfect start in the second half as Sinead Peach powered through defenders and over the line, Williamson adding the conversion after missing her prior two efforts.