Celtic eye shock free transfer swoop for Liverpool ace

Celtic are reportedly monitoring Andy Robertson’s contract situation at Liverpool as speculation grows that the Scotland international could become available on a free transfer at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old left-back is approaching the final months of his deal at Anfield, and there is increasing belief within football circles that Liverpool may allow him to depart without a fee once his contract expires. While the Premier League giants have not completely ruled out the possibility of offering new terms, uncertainty remains over whether an extension will be agreed.

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown has suggested that Celtic would be keen to explore a move should Robertson become available, although they are unlikely to be alone in the race for his signature. Speaking to Football Insider, Brown claimed that Martin O’Neill’s side would “love” to bring the defender to Parkhead, but warned that interest from clubs across Europe could complicate any potential deal.

Robertson, who has been a key figure for Liverpool since joining from Hull City in 2017, is thought to be considering a fresh challenge away from the Premier League as he enters the latter stages of his career. Several European sides are understood to be keeping close tabs on his situation, with the prospect of signing a proven international performer on a free transfer proving particularly attractive.

Interest in the full-back is not new. Atletico Madrid were strongly linked with a move for Robertson during the summer transfer window, but negotiations failed to progress before the deadline passed. Despite that, the Spanish giants are believed to remain admirers, while other clubs across the continent are also monitoring developments.

Football Insider reported in late October that Liverpool had yet to reach an agreement with Robertson over a contract extension, although there was still hope at the club that fresh terms could be finalised. However, the emergence of Milos Kerkez as a preferred option at left-back has fuelled speculation that Liverpool are preparing for life beyond Robertson, with many expecting the club to move in a new direction.

Brown believes the signs point towards an exit from Anfield, suggesting Liverpool may feel the time is right to part ways after years of outstanding service. He explained that the club appear to have enjoyed the best years of Robertson’s career and are now planning for the future, with Kerkez viewed as a long-term solution in the position.

The former scout also suggested that a return to Scotland could appeal to Robertson at this stage of his career. Having started his professional journey north of the border before moving to England, the chance to play at home again, particularly for a club competing regularly for trophies, could be an attractive proposition.

According to Brown, Robertson would be an excellent fit for Celtic, both in terms of quality and experience. While left-back is not currently seen as a priority position for the Hoops, the opportunity to sign a player of Robertson’s calibre on a free transfer would be difficult to ignore. His leadership, winning mentality and consistency at the highest level could prove invaluable, particularly in European competition.

However, any move would not be straightforward. Brown warned that Celtic would face stiff competition from other clubs, especially those in Europe who could offer different challenges and potentially higher wages. Despite that, he believes Robertson would thrive back in Scotland and could be tempted by the idea of returning to his home country to close out his career.

Elsewhere, Martin O’Neill is hoping for a busy conclusion to the January transfer window as Celtic look to strengthen their squad in key areas. So far, the club have completed just one signing this month, despite the interim manager’s desire to add more depth and quality as they push for another SPFL title.

Reports earlier in January suggested O’Neill is particularly keen to bring in a new striker and a centre-back before the window shuts, with both positions identified as areas of concern. Injuries to key players such as Kelechi Iheanacho and Cameron Carter-Vickers have only increased the urgency, forcing the club to explore potential replacements.

Sources close to the situation claim Celtic are working intensively behind the scenes to identify suitable targets, with the aim of adding “top-class” reinforcements before the end of the month. Although progress has been slower than hoped, there is optimism that O’Neill will receive backing from the club hierarchy in the final weeks of the window.

Against that backdrop, the possibility of a future move for Andy Robertson adds another intriguing layer to Celtic’s long-term planning. While any deal would likely be one for the summer rather than January, the prospect of bringing a high-profile Scotland international back to the SPFL is already generating significant interest and debate among supporters.