As the international break draws to a close and club football prepares to roar back into action, all eyes are on Liverpool and Scotland’s Andy Robertson, whose future is now the subject of intense speculation and debate. The 31-year-old left-back, once a fixture in both the Reds’ and Scotland’s starting lineups, finds himself at a crossroads amid shifting tactical sands, contract uncertainties, and the relentless demands of top-flight football. With Liverpool’s defensive experimentations under new manager Arne Slot and Scotland’s ongoing quest for World Cup qualification, Robertson’s next steps could reshape the fortunes of club and country alike.
Liverpool entered the international break sitting second in the Premier League, still smarting from a last-gasp defeat to Chelsea—a result that marked their second league loss in just seven matches this season, and their third in all competitions. For context, Slot’s side lost only four times in the entire league campaign last year, a season that ended with the Reds lifting the Premier League trophy. But this term, the defensive solidity that underpinned Liverpool’s title triumph has been called into question, with pundits and fans alike scrutinizing Slot’s frequent changes at full-back.
Former Premier League manager Alan Pardew didn’t mince words when discussing Liverpool’s backline on talkSPORT’s Final Word. "They (Liverpool) haven’t really played one great game, I don’t think," Pardew remarked. "He (Slot) has made a lot of changes. They have got great talent in and around the team. It is going to be a question mark getting the balance right. I think changing the two full-backs – Andy Robertson has been absolutely brilliant this week for Scotland – has been an issue. I think they’ve not looked as good at the back."
Robertson’s reduced role at Anfield is a direct result of Liverpool’s summer acquisition of Milos Kerkez, a 21-year-old left-back whose arrival has pushed the Scottish international to the fringes. Incredibly, Robertson has started just two games all season—one in the Champions League and one in the League Cup—while Kerkez has been preferred in league action. The right side of defense has seen even more volatility, with Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong, and even midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai all given opportunities to start.
This ongoing rotation has not gone unnoticed, and it’s not just Liverpool’s supporters voicing their concerns. Robertson’s own future is now a major talking point. His contract with Liverpool runs until June 2026, but as of mid-October 2025, there have been no discussions about a renewal. The lack of clarity has fueled rumors that Robertson could be set for a move abroad, with Serie A giants Roma reportedly leading the chase. Roma, currently riding high in the Italian league and level on points with Napoli, are said to be keen admirers. The Giallorossi will be able to open negotiations in January, once Robertson has less than six months remaining on his deal.
Robertson’s Liverpool legacy is already secure: 348 appearances since his arrival in 2017, two Premier League titles, two Carabao Cups, an FA Cup, a Champions League, and a FIFA Club World Cup. His dynamic partnership with Trent Alexander-Arnold on the opposite flank defined an era under Jurgen Klopp, and even last season, Robertson started 29 matches as the Reds stormed to the title under Slot. Yet, with his weekly wage of approximately €185,000 and a younger rival in Kerkez, the Scottish captain must now weigh his options. A move to Serie A would likely require a pay cut, but could offer the regular playing time he craves—and a fresh challenge in a league that values defensive discipline and tactical nous.
It’s not just at club level where Robertson’s role is under scrutiny. Scotland’s World Cup qualifying campaign for the 2026 Finals remains delicately poised. After a narrow win over Belarus at Hampden Park, Steve Clarke’s side is guaranteed at least a playoff spot in Group C, but the final standings will hinge on crucial fixtures against Greece in Athens and Denmark at home in Glasgow next month. Denmark’s recent 3-1 win over Greece means it’s a straight shootout between the Danes and the Scots for top spot, with goal difference set to play a decisive role.
Clarke’s tactical approach has long centered on fitting both Robertson and fellow left-back Kieran Tierney into the same lineup, often by employing a five-man defense. This strategy paid dividends during the Euro 2024 qualifiers, where Scotland clinched a place in Germany with two matches to spare. However, recent performances have sparked debate about whether loyalty to big names is hampering the team’s fluidity. Tierney, recovering fitness, was relegated to the bench against both Greece and Belarus, while Robertson, despite his leadership, has faced criticism for errors leading to goals and a perceived dip in attacking output.
Chief football writer Matthew Lindsay weighed in after the Belarus match, suggesting that Clarke should not shy away from dropping underperforming stars—even the captain. "Then there is Andy Robertson. The 31-year-old has not been a regular starter for Arne Slot this season and it is not at all hard to see why. He was at fault for the Greece goal and the Belarus goal. He offered far less going forward than he previously has as well. It would be a huge call to leave his skipper out next month? Who would he bring in to replace him? Could he trust Tierney to last 90 minutes? It is inconceivable that the former Queen’s Park, Dundee United and Hull City defender will not be involved. But nobody should feel they are immune from being dropped."
Scotland’s final group games—against Greece on November 16 and Denmark on November 19—will determine whether they qualify directly or face the rigors of the UEFA World Cup playoffs. The playoff draw is scheduled for November 22, with semi-finals and finals to be played in March 2026. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and Clarke faces tough decisions regarding his lineup, with a host of midfield and defensive options vying for a place.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has also come under the microscope. The Egyptian star has registered three goals and three assists in ten games this season, a modest return by his lofty standards. Since signing a new contract in April, Salah has posted nine goal contributions in 17 matches. Pardew, however, remains optimistic: "Mo (Salah) obviously hasn’t hit the heights since he’s signed the new contract, although I do feel that this game (against Manchester United) could be, 'Oh, Salah isn’t that bad, he’s back to his best,' one of those games, because he is that type of player."
As Liverpool prepare to host Manchester United at Anfield—a fixture that has favored the Reds since 2018—Slot will be hoping to restore momentum and find the right formula at full-back. For Robertson, the coming weeks could be pivotal: will he reclaim his place, secure a new deal, or embark on a new adventure in Italy? And for Scotland, will their captain be the driving force in a historic World Cup push, or will tactical pragmatism see him make way for new blood?
One thing’s for sure: with high stakes at both club and international level, Andy Robertson’s story is far from over. The next chapter promises drama, debate, and perhaps a few surprises before the dust settles on this eventful season.
