Andy Robertson has been tipped to “take a step back” from Liverpool and join Celtic.
The 31-year-old left-back has been a stalwart of Liverpool’s team for the last eight seasons, helping the Reds win two Premier League titles, two League Cups, the FA Cup, Champions League, European Super Cup, Club World Cup, and Community Shield.
Yet Robertson has faced criticism this season, with some pundits calling for Liverpool to sign a long-term replacement this summer. Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, 21, is heavily linked with a switch to Merseyside, while Fulham’s Antonee Robinson’s name has also been thrown around. The latter will turn 28 in August and came through the ranks at Everton.
Former Liverpool striker Fernando Morientes was asked about Robertson’s future while speaking to CasinoHawks and believes the left-back could return to his native Scotland to play for Celtic.
“Andy Robertson has spoken about Celtic, and it’s probably because he’s thinking about it,” said Morientes. “He is 31 and coming towards the end of his career.
“When you’ve been at a team like Liverpool for a while and you’re approaching the end of your career, you always have to take a step back eventually.
(Image: Getty Images)
“But of course, the team we’re talking about is also a powerful team in the Premier League. But I think if he has a special bond with Celtic and the club recognises him as an important player, then it could be possible.”
Celtic has dominated Scottish soccer in the last decade or so, winning 13 of the last 14 league championships. Robertson was born in Glasgow and supported Celtic as a child, spending six years in the club’s youth set-up before being released because of his height.
Robertson then joined fellow Glasweigian side Queen’s Park and had a growth spurt before making his professional debut in the fourth tier of Scottish soccer. He earned a move to top-flight team Dundee United in 2013 before moving to the Premier League a year later, signing with Hull. Liverpool then came calling in 2017 after Hull’s relegation.
The Reds paid just £8 million ($10.7 million) for Robertson, with little fanfare surrounding his transfer. Yet he proved to be a bargain buy for the Reds, making more 300 appearances for the club and picking up every major honor under the management of Jurgen Klopp.
Yet Jamie Carragher believes it’s time for Liverpool to move on from Robertson. He said during live game commentary last December: “Robertson is having a tough time, and it’s a very unforgiving position.
“He doesn’t look like he’s running back fully, he’s had a whack, then gingerly goes to control the ball before getting a red card. He needs help. Liverpool haven’t got any back-up, and it’s something they need to address in January.”
Carragher added: “Kerkez has been a revelation at Bournemouth. The technical director who brought him to Bournemouth (Richard Hughes) is now the sporting director at Liverpool.
“Kerkez looks like a full-back and he’s aggressive. He’s been superb since he came into the Premier League and is one to watch in the future, whether he stays or moves on.”
The Scot’s understudy at Liverpool is Kostas Tsimikas, but he will turn 30 next season and hasn’t managed to displace Robertson in the starting XI, despite the latter facing criticism.
