Andy Robertson is set to leave Liverpool as one of the club’s finest left-backs, but his path to Anfield could have been markedly different if an earlier transfer had gone through.

The Scotland captain is preparing for his final appearance against Brentford this weekend, and ahead of that, several fascinating stories from his career have resurfaced — including one about how he almost joined Liverpool’s rivals, Everton.

In a recent documentary, Robertson revealed that former Everton manager Roberto Martinez had closely followed him during his time at Dundee United. The plan, according to Robertson, was for him to eventually succeed Leighton Baines at Goodison Park.

Speaking on The Anfield Wrap’s series One Of Us: Becoming Andy Robertson, Liverpool’s No.26 recalled: “Funny story actually — before Stan [Hull City scout] came to watch me in January, Roberto Martinez had come up to see me. He was Everton’s manager at the time.”

He continued: “The idea was that I would be back-up to Leighton Baines, and then when Leighton moved on, I’d hopefully take over from him.”

Robertson went on to reveal: “Everton actually made an offer for me when I was at Dundee United that January. I think it was around £700,000 or something like that. But Dundee United said they wanted £1.5 million. Everton started laughing, and I think that was the end of the negotiation.”

Reflecting on how events unfolded, Robertson added with a smile: “Looking back now, I’m glad it didn’t happen because I don’t think I’d be sitting here today. You’d probably hate me instead!”

That remark will certainly amuse Liverpool supporters, as it’s almost impossible to imagine the Scotsman wearing blue after all he’s contributed in red.

Jurgen Klopp later admitted that Robertson had some defensive shortcomings during his time at Hull City, but the German coach also recognised his attacking potential — a trait that would become a key part of Liverpool’s success.

Former teammate Sadio Mane once described Robertson as “my best partnership in all my career,” a statement that perfectly sums up how far he has come since Everton decided not to meet Dundee United’s valuation.

Things could have turned out very differently, but as fate would have it, Everton laughed first — and Andy Robertson had the last laugh.