Scotland captain Andy Robertson has revealed he turned down a move to Sunderland in 2013 because the club was fighting relegation. The 32-year-old left-back, who joined Tottenham on a free transfer this summer after his Liverpool contract expired, said Premier League security was his priority.

Robertson was linked with a switch to the Stadium of Light in the January 2013 window, when he was a 19-year-old at Dundee United and Hull City were also interested. Sunderland sat rock bottom of the Premier League at that point, a situation the defender felt was too risky for his young family. "It was always Tottenham, as long as they stayed up," Robertson said. "I didn’t quite want to go to the Championship."

His professional career began with Dundee United later that year, before moves to Hull City and then Liverpool, where he won the Champions League and two Premier League titles. He stated Tottenham were the only club he seriously considered this summer, attracted by their ambition and the security of their top-flight status under new manager Roberto De Zerbi.

Robertson's career path

Robertson's journey highlights the fine margins in a player's career. He admitted he nearly left Liverpool in January, but a move then did not fit his plans. His decision in 2013 to avoid a club in a precarious position shaped his subsequent success. Now at Tottenham, he joins a side that finished between seventh and eighth last term and has invested in new signings.

For Sunderland, the revelation comes as the club handles its own challenging start to the current Premier League season. The Black Cats sit 14th in the table with four points from their opening five matches, having conceded 10 goals. Their most recent outing was a 5-3 defeat away to Manchester City, a game in which striker Brian Brobbey scored a hat-trick. Brobbey is the team's top scorer this season with three goals.

Current context for Sunderland

The squad faces a tough run of fixtures, with the next test a home match against third-placed Brighton on 10 October. Managerial staff will be without the injured Habib Diarra and Romaine Mundle for that encounter. The team's form over the last five games shows two wins, one draw and two losses.

Robertson's comments show the importance of league stability in attracting talent, a factor Sunderland will be keen to address as they build under their current project. The club's recent 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar in European competition demonstrates their potential, but consistency in the league remains the immediate focus. Their next league assignment at home to Brighton is key.

Read the full report at The Scotsman Football