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But now, as Fabrizio Romano has revealed, the deal never crossed the finish line — and the reason is straight from the club’s playbook.

“There was a possibility, a real possibility, for him to go to Atletico Madrid,” Romano said (via CaughtOffside).

“But then Liverpool didn’t want the player to leave on a free transfer.”

That stance from the Reds was clear — no freebies, even for a player who’s given them eight solid years.

Atletico’s interest cooled once it became clear that Liverpool weren’t going to wave him off without a transfer fee.

Instead, they shifted focus and sealed a deal for Atalanta’s Matteo Ruggeri.

Romano also confirmed that Robertson himself didn’t push to leave: “He never gave any final green light to Atletico, to respect Liverpool, and make his decision on the future very soon.”

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So, where does the Liverpool left-back go from here?

At 31, Andy Robertson isn’t quite ready for the retirement home, and he still has plenty left in his legs — and lungs.

But with the arrival of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, it’s clear that Liverpool are planning ahead.

Either way, the clock is ticking with pre-season just days away.

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