Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid have suffered a massive blow in their pursuit of Liverpool full-back Andrew Robertson.

According to Pete O’Rourke via Football Insider, Atletico Madrid are unlikely to secure the services of Andrew Robertson in the upcoming winter transfer window. While the Liverpool full-back is nowhere close to signing a contract extension at Anfield, the Reds still won’t negotiate his departure mid-season.

Roberton joined the Merseyside club back in 2017 from Hull City in a deal that was initially worth £8 million. The Scot has only gone from strength to strength since, and he has been one of their mainstays over the years. The 31-year-old full-back has played a massive part in all the success they have had in recent seasons.

With age catching up to the Scottish international, he is no longer a guaranteed starter. The Reds brought in Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth in the summer, and the Hungarian international has usurped Robertson as the first-choice left-back this season.

Atletico Madrid retain interest in Andrey Robertson

Following Kerkez’s arrival, Roberton was tipped to join Atletico Madrid. However, a move did not go through during the summer. The Colchoneros remain interested in him, and they could launch a move in the winter window as the Argentine manager wants more quality and depth in midfield.

With Andrew Robertson’s contract running out at the end of the season and the Scottish international not keen on penning a new deal, Atletico Madrid were confident about their chances of signing him mid-season. But O’Rourke believes Liverpool won’t sell him halfway through the season.

Liverpool won’t let go of Robertson

While speaking about his future on the Inside Track podcast, the transfer expert said, “I think probably later in the season things will become more clear on what’s going to happen with Andy Robertson’s future. There’s no chance of [him] moving [in] January, Liverpool won’t allow that to happen, [they] won’t think they’ll then [not] need Andy Robertson around.”

“They’re pretty short of options at the back anyway. Look, Andy Robertson might even have to fit in at centre-back on occasion this season with Liverpool’s injury concerns in that area of the team. Although he’s maybe not a guaranteed starter these days, he still has a role to play for Arne Slot’s team. His experience will be invaluable for Liverpool between now and the end of the season and he is vice captain there as well, so, that shows how much Arne Slot rates him as well.”

The Reds are working hard to extend Robertson’s stay at the club as they value his experience and leadership. They certainly won’t allow the Scotsman to leave in January, as he could prove to be very important to their chances of winning important silverware.

The Merseyside club lack depth at the back, and Robertson, with his experience, could feature in a variety of positions. The veteran full-back might not be a regular starter, but Arne Slot rates him very highly and wants him around for as long as possible.