After nine years in which he became one of the most decorated full-backs in Liverpool's modern history, Andy Robertson is leaving - and without a fee. Scotland's captain will join Tottenham on July 1 as a free agent, the London club confirmed.

The numbers behind him speak for themselves: 378 appearances, 14 goals, and 69 assists in a Liverpool shirt. With him, Anfield won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, and two League Cups. Together with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Robertson redefined what it means to be a modern attacking full-back - the two were the engine of the team's best years under Jürgen Klopp.

But football doesn't pay for yesterday's merits. Last season Robertson still racked up 36 appearances across all competitions, yet started only 11 times in the league - Liverpool increasingly looked to a younger option at left-back. When his contract expired this summer, no one at Anfield fought to keep him.

Tottenham had already tried to bring him in during the winter transfer window, but Liverpool didn't want to let him go on a mid-season exit at the time. As soon as it became clear he'd be available for free, the Londoners reignited the offer - and this time closed the deal easily.

For Tottenham, who secured Premier League survival only on the final matchday of last season, this is another message about their ambitions under De Zerbi. The question is whether the 31-year-old full-back is coming to carry their new project or to round off his career arc away from the lights of Anfield. The experience he brings, no one takes from him - but whether his legs will follow, the first autumn will show.