Hull City could swoop in and sign one of football’s best free agents this summer
Hull City gave Andy Robertson his first opportunity in English football(Image: Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
Hull City can make a real statement of intent ahead of their Premier League return by bringing a Champions League winner back to the club.
It’s been nine years since Andy Robertson left the Tigers for Liverpool, who paid an initial £8million for the Scot. Given what he has achieved with the Anfield club, that has proved to be an absolute bargain.
Robertson has won the lot with the Reds: two Premier League titles, the Champions League in 2019, both domestic cups, the Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup. But now he is set for pastures new, having confirmed earlier this year that he would leave on the expiry of his contract.
For a player of his quality and experience, there has naturally been a stampede to secure one of the best free agents on the market. Tottenham have been long-time favourites to sign him and a ‘deal in principle’ has reportedly been agreed. Spurs’ hand has been strengthened after they won their Premier League survival battle.
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But it is not done and dusted, with reports in Italy claiming Juventus have tabled a rival offer that could tempt him to walk away from the Spurs deal.
While the north London side remain favourites, it seems Robertson is still weighing up his options. Could one of those options be the Tigers?
It’s not as fanciful as some might think. OK, City cannot compete with Spurs and Juventus on the vast majority of metrics but don’t dismiss their pulling power entirely.
He clearly remains fond of the club that launched his career in English football. Ahead of his final Liverpool game, he took time to post a congratulations message on social media: “So happy for everyone connected to the club. Enjoy your night, Tigers,” followed by a raised hands emoji and a red love heart emoji.
Having become frustrated by his lack of game time at Liverpool, he could expect to play every week at City – he wouldn’t necessarily get that at Juve – in a relatively stable environment, certainly compared to Spurs, who have gone through three managers this season.
And just imagine the impact he would have on the rest of the dressing room. Robertson has been a class act throughout his career and he has earned even more respect for the way he has bowed out of Liverpool. Many wish a certain Mohamed Salah had behaved with as much dignity.
We know staying in the Premier League will be a monumental effort but landing a player of Robertson’s ilk would underline City aren’t just there to make up the numbers.
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