Liverpool have reportedly clinched the signing of Hull City left-back Andrew Robertson.
According to Neil Moxley of the Daily Mirror, Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Hull City defender Andrew Robertson in the summer. The Reds will only make an official announcement once the transfer window opens in July.
After Alberto Moreno’s sub-par performances at left-back last season, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was expected to sign a like for like replacement for the Spaniard last summer, with a number of big names linked with a move to Anfield.
However, the German did not rope in a new left-back, and chose to vest his faith in central midfielder James Milner – who he converted into a left-back. The Englishman has fit in well into his new role, and has had one of his best seasons in the Premier League.
Milner is one to be involved in goalmouth action and has often made marauding runs forward, overlapping the likes of Georginio Wijnaldum and Philippe Coutinho – giving the Reds an additional outlet in the final third. He has also grabbed seven goals and three assists this term.
But, there have been things said about his defensive contributions, and with good reason. At 31, he does not possess the pace and stamina to make surging runs forward and immediately track back and help on the defensive side of things.
Due to the same, Milner has often been caught out of position, leaving Liverpool defending with three men at the back on many occasions. Thus, Klopp has decided to rope in a replacement, and has reportedly secured the services of Robertson, after being linked with him for over a month.
Since moving to the KCOM three seasons ago from Dundee United, Robertson has earned his place in the Hull City first team, and has not had anyone to challenge him for the role. He has been seamless with his defending and also put in an impressive shift in the attacking third.
He is expected to be ahead of Moreno in the pecking order, and may even have enough steam in his tank to challenge Milner for a spot in Klopp’s starting eleven. Robertson is undoubtedly faster than the Englishman, and is arguably a better all-round player than him.
Robertson may not be the only man from Hull to move to Anfield in the summer as he is likely to be followed by English defender Harry Maguire. The centre-back is a transfer target for Newcastle, but would prefer joining Liverpool if he is handed a regular first team role.
Thus, it remains to be seen whether Klopp can convince Tigers boss Marco Silva to part ways with two of his key defenders this summer. Even if he does agree, he is likely to command a commendable fee for the outgoing duo.
