Antonee Robinson transfer update: Left-backs Liverpool, Arne Slot could replace Andy Robertson with in the summer

The Merseysiders might have dropped points against Fulham on Saturday after drawing 2-2 at Anfield, but the team earned praise for their performance considering Robertson was sent off in the first half when the Cottagers were winning 1-0.

The Scottish left-back was arguably at fault for Fulham's opener, and though there have been suggestions from the likes of Gary Lineker and Dermot Gallagher that he should not have been sent off later in the game, his poor touch and poor tackle gave the referee a decision to make.

Robertson's counterpart Robinson registered two assists against Liverpool, but despite impressing at times on Saturday, Lynch played down speculation linking the American with a move to Anfield despite the need for a new left-back, telling Sports Mole: "I struggle to see [a transfer] just because of age - he's 28 come the end of this season and Liverpool would like to sign someone who's 23, 24.

"It's clearly something that's going to have to be addressed in the summer, but I can't see it being Robinson because of his age, and I would also say I thought he was really good on Saturday, but in the first half an hour or so - particularly when the numbers were level within the first 15 minutes - Salah turned him inside out about four or five times.

"I think he's very, very good, but I think Liverpool will be looking for someone who's a bit more balanced with that defensive solidity and attacking quality, and age wise [a signing would be] in that 23 to 24 bracket."

Mohamed Salah would likely give most defenders problems, but it is fair to say that Robinson struggled defending against the Egyptian at times on Saturday.

Robertson's decline

Robertson has been an integral part of Liverpool's success ever since signing for the club in the summer of 2017 for a bargain £8m from Hull City, with his relentless energy a perfect fit for Jurgen Klopp's style of football.

However, the left-back has at times struggled with his role in possession under new boss Arne Slot, and has unusually struggled out of possession, often making mistakes after being overly aggressive or misreading a situation.

Lynch told Sports Mole that he believes that the defender can still contribute to the team, but that his minutes must be managed, saying: "The key thing to say with Robertson is that we clearly are seeing some sort of decline and it's totally natural for a player who's reaching the age he is now.

"I don't think it's a coincidence that his best performance of the season came against Aston Villa after he'd sat out the two previous games - he is still capable of hitting that level, and he did against Girona as well.

"But when you can't rotate Robertson out and he does have to go game after game, you do see he is short a yard, he looks tired, he looks leggy, he's just a second late to the ball and that's the thing you notice when players are starting to decline - they just don't get to the challenge and that's why you give away penalties, you give away red cards."

The 30-year-old's defensive ability had rarely been questioned in previous seasons, but it is alarming that there have arguably been more concerns raised regarding the Scotsman's defensive level this campaign than right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who had long been seen as the weaker of the two out of possession.

Alternatives to Robinson

Reports emerged in the past days that Bournemouth are reportedly in negotiations to sign Lanus left-back Julio Soler from Argentina, and this has only fuelled speculation that current Cherries left-back Milos Kerkez could soon find himself subject to interest from Liverpool.

Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri has also been linked to the Reds in the past, and should Wolves finish in the bottom three and get relegated to the Championship, the Algerian could be available for cut-price deal and become a real target for the Reds.

However, Lynch expressed his view that Liverpool are likely to stick with their options at present, trusting that Kostas Tsimikas and Robertson can continue to lead the club to Premier League glory, telling Sports Mole:"On the topic of January [reinforcements at left-back], that's something I struggle to see as well because Liverpool will think that they can get through with what they have and I tend to agree with them.

"I think if you can rotate [Robertson and Tsimikas], it's good enough. You just suffer when one of them sustains an injury, so hopefully Liverpool can get a bit lucky with that."

Robertson is set to miss out on Liverpool's EFL Cup game against Southampton on Wednesday, but he will be available for his side's clash against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday.

Written by

Lewis Nolan