LONDON — Tottenham Hotspurs has announced the signing of former Liverpool defender Andy Robertson on a free transfer.
Scotland captain Robertson was close to a move to Spurs in January, but Liverpool were unable to bring back Kostas Tsimikas from his loan at Roma and pulled the plug on the switch.
Even though Tottenham has since changed manager, Roberto De Zerbi has given the green light for Robertson to join on July 1 after he made the decision to leave Anfield at the expiration of his contract this month after 378 appearances for Liverpool.
De Zerbi said: “Andy is someone I’ve admired for a number of years and 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.
“I can’t wait to start working with him and seeing the positive impact he will have on everyone around him,” he added according to PA Media.
Robertson’s immediate focus will be on captaining Scotland at this summer’s World Cup, but he will bring much-needed leadership at Tottenham once he officially joins the squad in July.
“I’m in America just now preparing for the World Cup, but I just wanted to send you a quick message to say I cannot wait to play for you guys,” Robertson said in a short video message from Scotland’s World Cup camp.
“I cannot wait to meet you guys, I cannot wait to play in the stadium for the first time in front of you and I’m already looking forward next season.”
Spurs required a win on the final day of the 2025-26 campaign at home to Everton to avoid relegation from the Premier League, but back-to-back 17th-placed finishes have sparked the club and their majority owners ENIC, which is run by the Lewis family, into action.
A lack of leaders in the squad and a desire to improve team culture along with raising the standards at the club’s Hotspur Way training ground have been noted, with Robertson’s professionalism across nine seasons at Liverpool a key factor reason behind his arrival.
The energic full-back will provide competition at left-back to Destiny Udogie, who has been the undisputed first-choice on the left side of defence for each of the last three seasons, even if he has been hampered by multiple fitness problems.
Sporting director Johan Lange said: “We are delighted to welcome Andy to the club.
“First and foremost he is an outstanding left-back – one of the best of all time in the Premier League, and someone who will improve our squad.
“In addition, his quality, character and leadership have been evident throughout a career in which he has regularly competed for – and won – major honours.
