Celtic can make Andy Robertson’s homecoming happen - and the numbers prove it

Robin Bairner

• 12 Apr 2026 06:01 CDT
• 4 min read

Analysis

Celtic’s hopes of giving Scotland captain Andy Robertson a dream homecoming after the World Cup took a step closer to reality this week as Liverpool announced that he will leave the club in the summer.

Having signed Kieran Tierney from Arsenal in a similar fashion a year ago, hopes are now high at Parkhead that a swoop for the 32-year-old might be completed in time for the start of the Premiership season in August.

It promises to be no easy task. Within hours of the announcement of Robertson’s Anfield departure, a string of major clubs were said to have expressed an interest in the former Queen’s Park and Dundee United star.

Given the calibre and experience of the Champions League winner, unsurprisingly the competition promises to be fierce. Tottenham head the queue to sign the Scot and Atletico Madrid are likely to revisit a deal, while there is also the prospect that the defender joins Scotland team-mate Scott McTominay at Napoli.

Celtic, who released Robertson as a 15-year-old because he was seen as too small, will not and cannot compete with these sides financially, but the Glasgow club does not simply need to appeal to sentiment in order to sell themselves to their former academy player that they cast out nearly two decades ago.

Robertson wants first-team football

Robertson is leaving Liverpool with the aim of getting more pitch time as he enters the twilight years of his career.

Reds boss Arne Slot admitted: “He didn't play as much as he was used to. Still a lot, but not as much as he's used to and as a result of that, he's leaving next season. Not only that, I think it's also difficult to be in that position longer than a season.”

The message is clear: Robertson wants a club where he is an undisputed starter.

Celtic will be able to offer him that status, though it will potentially mean switching to a back three and having either Robertson or Tierney or a combination of both playing as a left-sided centre-back. It’s a role that the duo have performed expertly for Scotland in the past.

As long as the Parkhead club are prepared to make certain sacrifices, it’s a move that will work.

Can Atleti, Spurs or Napoli offer him the same assurances?

Celtic are a strong option

The data backs up Celtic as a strong option for Robertson if he is seeking regular first-team football.

SciSports’ Career Advice tool, which gives teams a Club Fit score based on a variety of key metrics to judge the likely success of a move, backs the Bhoys with a score of 77 when playing time is listed as the priority.

By contrast, Spurs only hit 66 and get two stars in this category. Atletico Madrid, who score 69 overall, also get two stars for pitch time and Napoli are down at just one.

The message is clear, then: if it’s first-team football that Robertson wants, Celtic is a good answer.

Equally, they Hoops may have to accept that the player gets alternative offers that also look attractive. Sevilla score 91 in terms of their Club Fit, Benfica hit 89 and bid-spending Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal are on 88. All get maximum points when it comes to pitch time and each would offer a potentially attractive challenge in an appeal destination.

None of these sides, though, have expressed a desire to sign the Scotland star. At least for now.

Robertson’s return more than sentimental

While a new left-back might not be at the top of Celtic’s shopping list as the summer approaches, Robertson is the type of player who can offer Celtic Champions League experience and a strong, positive influence in the dressing room.

“He had many great seasons here as a player, but I think people got to know him as a great person as well," Arne Slot said of the defender.

“I got to know him as a great person. I think every team-mate of his will tell you how funny he is and how great of a person he is. I think that has been shown a lot on social media as well from our social media people.”

Robertson is a player who could lift Celtic on and off the pitch. Wealthier rivals may be able to tempt him, but the promised of a starring role back on home turf offers him a unique and potentially irresistible opportunity. If Robertson wants a fitting platform for the final chapter of his career, Paradise could still be the perfect place to find it.