Tottenham have completed the signing of Scotland captain Andy Robertson on a free transfer after his departure from Liverpool, kick-starting a summer spending spree promised by a club hierarchy still reeling from a final-day relegation escape. The 32-year-old left-back, who won two Premier League titles and the Champions League during 378 appearances for Liverpool, will join Spurs on 1 July after announcing his exit when his contract expired.
Spurs had targeted Robertson in the January transfer window under then-manager Thomas Frank, and a deal was agreed between the clubs only for Liverpool to pull out when they were unable to recall Kostas Tsimikas from his loan at Roma. Now, under new manager Roberto de Zerbi — who secured Premier League survival by beating Everton on the final day — the move has finally gone through.
“Tottenham sign Andy Robertson on a free transfer as part of a summer rebuild after avoiding relegation on final day.”
“Andy is someone I’ve admired for a number of years,” De Zerbi said. “He will bring outstanding technical qualities, experience, leadership and mentality to our team. He is a proven winner at the highest level over a long period and is someone who can be a big player for us, both on and off the pitch.”
Robertson, capped 92 times for Scotland, will lead his country at this summer’s World Cup before linking up with his new teammates. Sporting director Johan Lange added: “His quality, character and leadership have been evident throughout a career in which he has regularly competed for — and won — major honours. Andy’s professionalism and commitment will also be invaluable to the development of our squad.”
The signing is just the start. De Zerbi is overseeing a huge transfer splurge, with Tottenham ready to move for Manchester City winger Savinho, valued at £50m and keen to join Spurs. A deal in principle has also been agreed for Bournemouth's Argentina centre-half Marcos Senesi, while an opening bid for Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke — valued at £70m — was turned down, though talks continue. Outgoings are expected too, with Cristian Romero likely to depart and strong interest in Mathys Tel.
After last season’s dismal campaign — which saw Spurs only avoid relegation on the final day — the club hierarchy promised a “full reset” and committed to “invest across multiple transfer windows to rebuild, balance and strengthen, with this summer representing an important first step.” Whether Robertson’s arrival and the planned splurge can lift a squad that flirted with disaster remains to be seen.