Atletico Madrid have now made a transfer move which could see £12m player depart Liverpool, not Andy Robertson

Liverpool continue to bolster their squad this transfer window as they prepare for a title defence next season.

The Reds have already signed Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez is the latest to sign for Liverpool, as they addressed the left side of the defence. Amid the arrival of Kerkez, the future of Andy Robertson remains uncertain.

Robertson has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid. TBR Football reported that while the 31-year-old is more than happy to stay and compete with Kerkez for his place, he is also open to a switch to Spain, viewing the opportunity to play in La Liga at this stage of his career as a “fascinating one.”

While it was previously reported that the Merseyside club would not stand in his way if Atletico Madrid came forward with a concrete offer, the Spanish giants have now made a move that could impact the future of another Liverpool player.

Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Liverpool may sell Kostas Tsimikas, not Andy Robertson after Atletico Madrid decision

Fabrizio Romano has now reported that Atletico have reached a full agreement with Atalanta to sign left-back Matteo Ruggeri.

This development significantly reduces the likelihood of Robertson leaving Liverpool this summer, as Atletico’s interest is expected to cool following their move for Ruggeri.

Ruggeri’s imminent arrival in Madrid shifts the focus back to Anfield, where Liverpool now face a crowded situation at left-back.

TBR Football have previously reported that there is interest in Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas but the club were not entertaining any offers as they were expecting interest in Robertson.

However, with Robertson happy to stay at Anfield and a move away no longer on the table, the club may now look to sell Tsimikas instead.

Kostas Tsimikas’ time at Liverpool

The Greek international signed for the Reds in 2020 for £12m and has proven to be a decent backup to Robertson.

Initially, his opportunities were limited due to injuries and the outstanding form of Robertson, but Tsimikas gradually earned the trust of then-manager Jurgen Klopp.

He became a regular starter in the domestic cups and put in solid performances whenever called upon, delivering some memorable moments for the Reds, including an assist for Virgil van Dijk from a corner that won them the League Cup in 2024.

He also scored the winning penalty to win Liverpool the FA Cup against Chelsea in 2022.

While he may not have been of the calibre to become Liverpool’s first-choice left-back, he has proved to be a valuable squad player and a popular figure among both fans and teammates.

Andy Robertson would be the ideal mentor for Milos Kerkez

Jamie Carragher has previously said Liverpool should sell Tsimikas.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Carragher said: “We need a left-back to play. And Robertson needs to become, I would say, the sort of squad player at left-back. So they need a left-back to play.”

When Ian Wright asked, “What happens to Tsimikas, would you just get rid of Tsimikas?” Carragher responded simply: “Yeah.”

It’s a scenario that now appears increasingly likely, especially if Robertson decides to stay and see out his contract.

In fact, Liverpool may be better served focusing on retaining the experienced Scot, particularly given how highly Kerkez has spoken of him.

Robertson could play a key mentoring role for the young Hungarian as he settles into life at Anfield.

He is a proven Premier League and Champions League winner, and is widely regarded as one of the best full-backs in world football. His leadership and experience would be invaluable for the development of any young defender.

While Kerkez boasts talent and attacking flair, he is still raw, something that could improve under the mentorship of someone like Robertson.

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