GOAL looks at where Antonee Robinson could fit, with Premier League and Serie A teams among potential suitors
Antonee Robinson likely isn't going anywhere. Not immediately, and not unless an earth-shattering offer comes in. Let's face it, Fulham will likely be loathe to sell. In "Jedi" they have the Premier League's best left-back, a vice-captain, and the key to their unlikely push for European football.
Even though he will net them a handsome financial windfall, it makes little sense to let him go now.
This summer, though, is a different question. Get the Robinson money – which will never be higher – and they can reinvest. There aren't any great full back options in the squad, but if they are shrewd in the market, one sale could lead to a few smart acquisitions. This is what mid-level clubs do, too. With all of the respect due to Marco Silva and the way he has transformed this side, Robinson deserves a shot at the next level.
And so we arrive at the options. The Liverpool rumors have been around for a while. That would seem the most likely destination. But there are other potential destinations. Manchester United, as ever, are in the mix, and there are other Premier League clubs that make sense. Serie A is also an intriguing hypothetical.
GOAL looks at the best potential landing spots for the USMNT star as the transfer rumors spin.
(C)Getty ImagesLiverpool
First, the obvious fit. Andy Robertson can still be a world class left back. But there is no denying that he has lost a step at the highest level. He doesn't have the same legs that made him so impactful in Jurgen Klopp's teams. Meanwhile, the individual errors have started to add up. It is not crisis time, but the Reds do need to think about the next era – especially given Robertson is now 30.
Enter Robinson, who is more or less a carbon copy of the frantic, energetic and athletic Robertson who arrived in Liverpool in the summer of 2017. In his simplest form, he plays more or less the same game: get up and down, deliver assists, counter press.
But he can also the additional bits – Robinson is a more refined passer, and tactically intelligent enough to interpret the full back role in a number of different ways. Put more simply: Robinson is a ready made replacement.
AdvertisementAFPTottenham
Tottenham are a curious team. It is genuinely fascinating how Ange Postecoglu has them yo-yoing from miserable to unbeatable on a weekly basis. And while wins against Liverpool and Man City are a lot of fun, it must be infuriating for the Australian manager that his club simply cannot find anything resembling consistency. Injuries haven't helped, but there is a more general sense that the squad lacks depth and competition.
Robinson would be an interesting option, especially at a position that has been admittedly weak. Destiny Udogie was impressive in his first few months after he joined the club last season, but has struggled to recapture that same form – a series of knocks slowing down his progress.
Robinson would be an apt replacement, especially given the club could really use a reliable full back who can offer an injection of pace down the left. His combinations with Son-Heung Min, for example, would be a sight to see in North London.
Getty Images SportNewcastle
A few things have to fall into place for this to work. The first is Newcastle's finances have to take a turn for worse. That might have already happened, with their excessive spending having them on verge of breaking the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules. A good way to fix those issues is to make a landmark sale.
It is a good thing, then, that they are in possession of a top tier striker reportedly coveted by Arsenal. Alexander Isak would surely net a handsome fee for the Magpies – more than enough to address some other areas of the squad.
One such spot is left back. Dan Burn is reliable and physical, but he's also 32. Lewis Hall is interesting and full of potential, but can't crack the XI consistently. Robinson would be a fine fit here, not only for his attacking chops but also for the bit of extra bite required to play for Eddie Howe's side. It just requires some financial turns.
Getty Images SportManchester United
And now the inevitable option. Let's be honest, there isn't a single player Man United been linked with of late. It's reportedly a bit of a mess in Manchester, with Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund all linked with exits. They are thin on the left, too, with Tyrell Malacia short of the required quality and Luke Shaw too injury prone to be considered a regular option for Ruben Amorim.
The need is there, then. And the tactics are curious. Amorim has made headlines by being a staunch 3-4-3 loyalist. His reluctance to change things up is puzzling, not least because United don't have a single natural wing back in the squad. Robinson's attacking nous, though, makes him a solid fit as a wing back, and he could definitely put in the defensive leg work required for the system, too.
It's a unique prospect, and one he would be able to handle well. There remains the issue, though, that walking into Old Trafford – regardless of the paycheck that comes with it – could be detrimental to his career.