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Andrew Robertson has expressed strong support for Liverpool’s big-money signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, insisting that both players will go on to have exceptional careers at Anfield despite struggling to make an impact during their debut seasons.

The Liverpool vice-captain, who is set to leave the club this summer, defended the pair amid criticism over their performances and hefty transfer fees. Robertson emphasised that their potential remains immense and that fans will eventually see the best of them.

Robertson defends Isak and Wirtz amid scrutiny

The Scottish full-back criticised the backlash directed at Isak and Wirtz throughout the campaign. Liverpool spent heavily to secure both players — paying a then club-record £116 million for Wirtz, followed shortly by a British-record £125 million fee for Isak — as part of a major rebuild. However, the duo found it difficult to consistently produce top performances during what proved to be a challenging season for the Reds.

Liverpool’s form has been inconsistent, leaving them fighting for a top-five spot instead of competing at the top of the Premier League table. Robertson, who arrived from Hull City for £8 million in 2017, believes the intense focus on transfer fees has created unnecessary pressure on young players. Despite their slow starts, he remains confident that both will prove to be worth every penny.

‘Price tags don’t define players’ – Robertson

Robertson argued that footballers should not be judged by their transfer fees since they have no control over market valuations. He praised the dedication and quality he has seen from Isak and Wirtz in training and matches.

“In terms of the club I’m leaving behind, I think we’re not back at the 2017 stage — we’re at a transitional stage,” Robertson said in an interview with Independent. “The season has been up and down, inconsistent. We brought in players everyone was excited about, and I’m certain they will have an unbelievable career at Liverpool. I’ve no doubt about that. But they are still young.”

He added, “What frustrates me most in football is that players don’t control their price tags. The market decides that. If a club is willing to pay it or put a price on you, that’s out of the players’ hands. These players will succeed at Liverpool — I’ve seen enough of their ability, attitude, and work ethic in training and games to know they just need a bit of time.”

Liverpool in a transition period

Robertson acknowledged that Liverpool are undergoing a transitional phase after years of success under Jürgen Klopp. The defender admitted that inconsistency has been a recurring issue across the squad, as both seasoned performers and new signings have struggled to maintain high standards.

“Some players who’ve been performing at an incredibly high level haven’t quite reached that this season,” Robertson said. “When you factor that in, it’s been an inconsistent year, which has been hugely frustrating for us.”

“We’ve been searching for consistency and answers all season but haven’t found them. At times, we’ve been too easy to play against. There’s no denying that. But looking ahead, I genuinely believe the squad has more than enough quality to bring success back to Liverpool.”

“That’s what I want, what the club wants, and what everyone connected to Liverpool wants. I believe they’ll be successful again. I wish it could have happened this season — I’d have loved to add another trophy or two to an already impressive cabinet — but it wasn’t meant to be. Next season, I think they’ll be back challenging again.”

Robertson ready for emotional farewell

The Scotland captain is set to make his final appearance for Liverpool against Brentford on Sunday, marking the end of a remarkable nine-year stint at Anfield. During his time with the club, Robertson made 377 appearances in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing 69 assists. He leaves having lifted nine major trophies, cementing his legacy as one of Liverpool’s finest modern defenders.