Liverpool star will not leave in January as Euro giants deliver transfer stance

Andy Robertson has lived a football dream that millions of kids can only imagine. From humble beginnings in Scotland, where he once admitted he feared he might never make it at the top level, to lifting the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and more with Liverpool, his story has been one of hard work, passion, and relentless fight. But football, like life, changes quickly, and for Robertson, the winds of change are beginning to blow stronger than ever at Anfield

The 31-year-old full-back has entered the final year of his Liverpool contract, with only nine months remaining. Questions about his future refuse to go away. Atletico Madrid, one of Spain’s giants, were heavily linked with him in the summer. At one stage, it looked like Robertson’s time at Liverpool might end earlier than expected. Yet, when the window closed, he was still a Red, still fighting, still running the left flank like he has done since 2017. But can this continue beyond the summer of 2026? Or is the curtain beginning to fall on his Anfield story?

The truth is that Robertson’s role in the Liverpool team has already shifted. He is no longer the guaranteed starter at left-back that he once was. Injuries, age, and competition have started to change the picture. Milos Kerkez, the young Hungarian, has been growing in influence. Kostas Tsimikas, Robertson’s long-time deputy, is back in the fold and pushing hard. Under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool are rebuilding their squad for the future. And while Robertson still has a role, it is not the starring role he once owned.

Atletico Madrid’s interest was very real in the summer. Diego Simeone has long admired Robertson’s energy, aggression, and mentality — traits that perfectly match the style of football he demands. But in the end, Atletico went in a different direction, signing Matteo Ruggeri from Atalanta and relying on Javi Galan as another option at left-back. That effectively closed the door on a January transfer. Football Insider reported that Atletico are not planning to return for Robertson in the winter market. The timing and the squad balance are simply not right.

However, that does not end the story. Far from it. From January 1, Robertson, as a foreign player with an expiring contract, will legally be free to negotiate with overseas clubs and even sign a pre-contract agreement. That means Atletico, or any other European giant, could line up a deal that sees him walk away from Liverpool for nothing next summer.

This possibility raises the stakes. Will Liverpool offer Robertson a new contract to extend his stay? Will he accept, knowing he is no longer first choice? Or will he decide it is time to begin a new chapter, perhaps in Spain, Italy, or even back in Scotland to finish his career where it all began? These are the questions that dominate conversations among fans and pundits.

For now, what is certain is that Robertson will not be leaving in January. Pete O’Rourke made it clear: Atletico Madrid have other plans, and Liverpool themselves would not want to lose Robertson mid-season. The club knows that his experience, leadership, and spirit are still vital, especially during a campaign where they are fighting on multiple fronts. Even if he is not starting every game, his presence in the dressing room and his ability to step in when needed cannot be underestimated.

Robertson is more than just a player at Liverpool. He is part of the leadership group. Alongside Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Alisson Becker, he has been one of the captains without the armband, a voice on the pitch, a fighter who inspires others with his attitude. His battles down the left wing with Salah cutting inside ahead of him have been one of the great features of Liverpool’s modern era. To think of Liverpool without Robertson feels strange — yet football often forces such moments.

If Robertson does depart next summer, who replaces him? The answer, at least partly, already exists within the squad. Milos Kerkez, signed as the future, is the most likely candidate to become Liverpool’s number one left-back. At only 21, he has the energy, speed, and raw ability to grow into the role. Then there is Kostas Tsimikas, who has served patiently for years and might finally get his chance if the club decides he is ready. But questions remain: is Kerkez fully prepared to handle the pressure of being the starter? Is Tsimikas truly at the level to hold the position long-term? These are the doubts Arne Slot must weigh.

For Robertson himself, this period is about proving he still has plenty to give. He is fiercely competitive, and he will not want to leave Liverpool quietly. Even if he is no longer guaranteed to start every week, he will continue to fight for his place, to show the manager and the fans that he can still make the difference. That is Robertson’s character. That is why fans love him.

But sentiment and football decisions often clash. The Liverpool board must think ahead. Do they invest in a new left-back in 2026, perhaps someone like Piero Hincapié, who has been linked before? Do they trust Kerkez and Tsimikas? Or do they try to convince Robertson to stay on a short-term deal, perhaps accepting a reduced role?

The debate will run all season. Every time Robertson plays, every time Kerkez impresses, every time Tsimikas gets a chance, the narrative will shift. The fans are divided too. Some argue Robertson has given enough, and it is time to move on before decline sets in. Others believe he has earned the right to stay, even as a backup, because his leadership and professionalism are invaluable.

Whatever happens, Robertson’s legacy at Liverpool is secure. He will go down as one of the greatest left-backs in the club’s history, a player who gave his all in every single game, who fought for every tackle, who never hid, and who played a huge role in the club’s return to the top of European football. His partnership with Trent Alexander-Arnold on the opposite flank created one of the most feared full-back pairings in the world. His story from being rejected as a teenager to captaining Scotland and winning the biggest trophies is an inspiration.

The final act, though, is still being written. Will he sign one last deal and stay to guide the next generation? Or will he walk away, chasing a new adventure abroad? For now, all we know is that Robertson will not leave in January. He will see out his contract, fight alongside his teammates, and give Liverpool everything he has left. And in the summer, the decision will come.

The outcome will not just affect Robertson. It will shape Liverpool’s transfer plans, their squad balance, and their identity. The left-back position is too important to be left unsettled. Arne Slot knows this. The board knows this. And Robertson himself knows it too.

Liverpool are entering a new era, but Andy Robertson, whether for one more season or for several, will always be remembered as part of the golden era. The fans will never forget his relentless runs, his crunching tackles, his assists, and his passion. The banners at Anfield will still wave for him. And even if the day comes when he leaves, he will go with the love and respect of the Kop forever.

For now, the story continues. Robertson stays. The summer will bring answers. Until then, Liverpool fans will enjoy every moment they have left with their tireless Scottish warrior.