Liverpool defender and national icon Andy Robertson has officially been named captain of Scotland’s 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup in North America. Manager Steve Clarke confirmed the roster that will carry the Tartan Army’s hopes across the United States, Mexico, and Canada this June.
However, for Liverpool supporters, the international announcement is heavily overshadowed by the certainty of Robertson’s imminent departure from Merseyside.
The veteran left-back is set to play his final game in a Red shirt against Brentford this weekend, marking the end of a deeply decorated and transformative era at Anfield.
The atmosphere ahead of his exit has turned somewhat turbulent. Following a frustrating defeat to Aston Villa last Friday, Robertson took to social media to publicly apologise for his and his team-mates performances this season which is a a rare outburst from the vice skipper that suggests tensions are running high as the domestic campaign draws to a close.
The transfer landscape: Tottenham waiting in the wings
With his Liverpool exit locked in, Robertson’s next destination is already dominating the back pages. Reports indicate that Tottenham Hotspur are currently in pole position to secure the Scotsman’s signature.
The north London club is eager to bring Robertson’s elite experience and leadership into their ranks, but the deal hinges on a massive caveat: Spurs must secure their Premier League survival in the final week of the season.
Robertson is understandably keen to sort out his domestic future before boarding the plane to the States, meaning a definitive transfer announcement could break just days after the Premier League season concludes.
Scotland’s 26-man World Cup squad breakdown
Steve Clarke’s selection features a mix of hardened Premier League experience, returning focal points, and a few eyebrow-raising omissions.
Notably, young winger and former Reds winger Ben Doak has secured his ticket after proving his fitness with three substitute appearances for Bournemouth, following a severe hamstring injury suffered against Denmark in November.
In attack, Southampton’s in-form striker Ross Stewart has earned a dramatic recall alongside George Hirst, while Motherwell prodigy Lennon Miller (now at Udinese) suffers the heartbreak of missing the final cut.
Perhaps the most debated area is between the sticks; Clarke has selected Angus Gunn, Craig Gordon, and Liam Kelly, despite the trio accumulating a mere seven club appearances between them all season.
| Position | Players |
| Goalkeepers | Angus Gunn, Craig Gordon, Liam Kelly |
| Defenders | Andy Robertson (C), Kieran Tierney, Aaron Hickey, Anthony Ralston, Nathan Patterson, Grant Hanley, Dom Hyam, John Souttar, Scott McKenna, Jack Hendry |
| Midfielders | John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, Kenny McLean, Lewis Ferguson, Ryan Christie |
| Wingers | Findlay Curtis, Ben Gannon-Doak |
| Forwards | Che Adams, Lyndon Dykes, Lawrence Shankland, Ross Stewart, George Hirst |
What this means for Liverpool
Robertson’s departure represents the dismantling of another pillar from Jurgen Klopp’s iconic, trophy-laden era. Having won everything available at Anfield, his exit leaves a massive void not just at left-back, but within the squad’s leadership core.
The public criticism of his teammates last week hints at a player who felt the standards at the club were slipping, perhaps accelerating his desire for a fresh challenge.
For the recruitment team, finding a successor who can replicate Robertson’s relentless work rate, elite crossing ability, and dressing-room presence will be one of the toughest tasks of the summer window.
ReadLiverpoolFC Verdict:
It is going to be incredibly strange to see Andy Robertson wearing another Premier League shirt next season especially a Tottenham one if a deal does materialise. He arrives at the end of his Liverpool tenure as an absolute bargain-legend, having redefined the left-back role for modern Liverpool teams alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold.
If Spurs stay up and secure him, they are getting a fierce competitor and a proven winner. For Liverpool, it’s time to look forward. We wish Robbo nothing but the best in the World Cup, but the focus at Anfield must now completely shift toward a summer rebuild and finding the next generation’s defensive anchor.
