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Robertson joins Tottenham on free transfer after nine years at Liverpool

The Scotland captain ends a trophy-laden Anfield spell to link up with Roberto De Zerbi's Spurs, who have hailed him as a proven winner.

Daniel Pearce

Football Correspondent ·

7 min read
Footballer holding up a club shirt after signing a transfer
Footballer holding up a club shirt after signing a transfer · Illustrative section image

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the signing of Andy Robertson on a free transfer, securing the experienced left-back following the expiry of his contract at Liverpool after nine hugely successful years on Merseyside. The deal brings one of the Premier League's most decorated defenders to north London and represents a notable coup in the opening days of the summer window.

Robertson, who will officially join on 1 July, has signed a reported two-year deal and is expected to slot straight into Roberto De Zerbi's starting line-up as the Italian reshapes his squad for the new campaign. At a stage of his career where experience and leadership carry as much value as athleticism, the Scotland captain offers Spurs a ready-made solution at left-back.

The move marks the end of an era at Liverpool, where Robertson became a cornerstone of one of the most successful periods in the club's modern history. For Tottenham, it signals an intent to compete at the sharp end of the table by recruiting players who know what winning requires.

A glittering Anfield legacy

The Scotland captain departs Liverpool having made 378 appearances, providing 69 assists and helping the club to two Premier League titles, a Champions League, an FA Cup, two League Cups and a Club World Cup. He chose not to pursue a new contract after losing his place to Milos Kerkez, deciding instead to seek a fresh challenge while still operating at the highest level.

Signed as a relative unknown from Hull City, Robertson developed into one of the finest attacking full-backs of his generation, his marauding runs and pinpoint crossing forming a crucial part of Liverpool's success. Alongside the right-back on the opposite flank, he redefined expectations of the position and contributed a steady stream of assists from defence.

His departure is a poignant one for Liverpool supporters, who saw him grow from a budget signing into a club icon and an emblem of the relentless work ethic that underpinned the team's achievements. Few players have offered better value, and his exit closes a defining chapter for both player and club.

A statement signing for Spurs

His arrival represents a statement of intent from Tottenham, who are seeking the kind of leadership and big-match experience Robertson has accumulated over a decade at the top of the English and European game. In De Zerbi's system, which prizes progressive build-up and an attacking emphasis from full-backs, Robertson's qualities should be an ideal fit.

Beyond his on-pitch contribution, the 32-year-old brings a winning mentality to a dressing room that has long sought to bridge the gap to the established elite. His presence offers a benchmark for younger players and a voice of authority during the demands of a long season, attributes that helped persuade Spurs to move decisively.

He is a proven winner and exactly the kind of character we want in this dressing room.

Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham head coach

Background and context

Free transfers of this calibre are increasingly prized in a market shaped by financial regulations, allowing clubs to add proven quality without a transfer fee. For Tottenham, the absence of an outlay frees resources for other areas of the squad as De Zerbi continues a wide-ranging rebuild aimed at restoring the club to regular contention for European places and trophies.

Robertson's decision reflects a wider trend of established players seeking new challenges in the latter stages of their careers, prioritising regular football and a fresh environment over remaining at a club where their role has diminished. At Spurs, he is assured of a central part in the project rather than a place on the periphery.

  • Andy Robertson joins Tottenham on a free transfer, official from 1 July
  • Reported two-year deal after nine seasons at Liverpool
  • 378 Liverpool appearances and 69 assists
  • Honours include two Premier League titles, a Champions League, an FA Cup, two League Cups and a Club World Cup
  • Lost his Liverpool place to Milos Kerkez before opting to move on
  • Expected to feature regularly under Roberto De Zerbi

What happens next

The deal is among the earliest pieces of business of a busy summer window, which opened on 15 June, and signals that Spurs intend to move quickly in their pursuit of a return to the upper reaches of the Premier League. Securing a player of Robertson's standing before rivals have completed their own recruitment is the sort of proactive approach the club's supporters have demanded.

Attention will now turn to how De Zerbi integrates his new signing and whether further additions follow. For Robertson, the challenge is to bring his Anfield-honed standards to a new setting and help drive Tottenham forward, while Liverpool must adjust to life without one of the defining figures of their golden era.

Source: This summary is based on reporting by Sky Sports. The NE Times aggregates and rewrites news for readability; please refer to the original for the full report.

For informational purposes only. The NE Times does not provide live or breaking news coverage — we collect stories from established sources and present them in a readable format. Disclaimer.

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Robertson joins Tottenham on free transfer after nine years at Liverpool | The NE Times