- Andy Robertson tops Bayern’s shortlist as they look to replace Alphonso Davies
- Bayern believe that Robertson, 30, would give them a similar energy to Davies
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Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson has emerged as a target for Bayern Munich.
The Scotland international is understood to top a list of potential candidates to replace Bayern’s Alphonso Davies, who is expected to join Real Madrid this summer.
Bayern recognise that it would be a major challenge to prise Robertson away from Anfield but are determined to recruit a top class replacement so are setting their sights high.
Robertson, who joined from Hull City for a bargain £8m in 2017, is a hugely popular figure at Liverpool and has played a pivotal role in the club’s success under Jurgen Klopp.
Bayern have been aware of Davies’s likely departure and have been collating reports on left-backs across the globe.
Robertson turns 30 next month but, despite his age, Bayern believe he would give them a similar energy and balance down the left-hand flank to Davies and believe this summer could be an opportune time to see if the Scot would be tempted by a new challenge.
Robertson, who has made over 280 appearances for Liverpool and won every major honour, still has two years left on contract but, as with a few Liverpool players, is approaching the juncture for talks over his future.
He played his only Carabao Cup game of the season on Sunday as Liverpool beat Chelsea 1-0 after extra-time thanks to a late Virgil van Dijk header.
The left-back played 87 minutes, turning in a solid performance before making way for Kostas Tsimikas.
Klopp’s pending departure could change the landscape for some players though the manager has been at pains to stress he believes many of his playing staff will still want to continue at the club.
Liverpool are going through the process of who will succeed their inspirational leader but won’t commit to many changes until they have a sporting director and new coach in place.
Bayern face a grander task to rebuild their squad following the news that Thomas Tuchel is also exiting this summer with Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso in the frame for both clubs.
In any case, Liverpool’s task will be made significantly easier by their collection of flourishing academy graduates. Klopp gave them a vital role in the Carabao Cup final in what some saw as a risky move, but it paid off.
After the win, Robertson said: ‘Of course we believe in the team and the young lads but when everyone turned up for the pre-match meal and so it has to be right up there. We have a lot of players out and hopefully they come back soon enough and we can be a wee bit stronger for the rest of the season.
‘It wasn’t a risk [to play the youngsters]. We see them every single day. What else are we meant to do? That was our bench today and the quality they have we can see at the training ground every day. We didn’t believe it was a risk. We just wanted them to express themselves and that is what we tried to help them with.
‘The academy has been put to use over the last two games, that’s for sure, but they did a tremendous job. They went and played with belief and freedom and that’s all you can ask from the young players.
‘Bobby Clark, James McConnell, they were all different class, but Bobby really took the game by the scruff of the neck so fair play to him. He showed composure as well. It’s incredible. You need your academy, especially in moments like this with so many players injured, and that’s what gave us the belief in the changing room.’
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
