Antonee Robinson transfer update: Left-backs Liverpool, Arne Slot could replace Andy Robertson with in the summer
Liverpool must look to replace Andy Robertson in the summer, but Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson is unlikely to be a candidate, Reds expert David Lynch has argued.
The Merseysiders might have dropped points against Fulham on Saturday after drawing 2-2 at Anfield, but the team earned praise for their performance considering Robertson was sent off in the first half when the Cottagers were winning 1-0.
The Scottish left-back was arguably at fault for Fulham's opener, and though there have been suggestions from the likes of Gary Lineker and Dermot Gallagher that he should not have been sent off later in the game, his poor touch and poor tackle gave the referee a decision to make.
Robertson's counterpart Robinson registered two assists against Liverpool, but despite impressing at times on Saturday, Lynch played down speculation linking the American with a move to Anfield despite the need for a new left-back, telling Sports Mole: "I struggle to see [a transfer] just because of age - he's 28 come the end of this season and Liverpool would like to sign someone who's 23, 24.
"It's clearly something that's going to have to be addressed in the summer, but I can't see it being Robinson because of his age, and I would also say I thought he was really good on Saturday, but in the first half an hour or so - particularly when the numbers were level within the first 15 minutes - Salah turned him inside out about four or five times.
"I think he's very, very good, but I think Liverpool will be looking for someone who's a bit more balanced with that defensive solidity and attacking quality, and age wise [a signing would be] in that 23 to 24 bracket."
Mohamed Salah would likely give most defenders problems, but it is fair to say that Robinson struggled defending against the Egyptian at times on Saturday.
Robertson's decline
Robertson has been an integral part of Liverpool's success ever since signing for the club in the summer of 2017 for a bargain £8m from Hull City, with his relentless energy a perfect fit for Jurgen Klopp's style of football.
However, the left-back has at times struggled with his role in possession under new boss Arne Slot and has unusually struggled out of possession, often making mistakes after being overly aggressive or misreading a situation.
Lynch told Sports Mole that he believes that the defender can still contribute to the team, but that his minutes must be managed, saying: "The key thing to say with Robertson is that we clearly are seeing some sort of decline and it's totally natural for a player who's reaching the age he is now.
"I don't think it's a coincidence that his best performance of the season came against Aston Villa after he'd sat out the two previous games - he is still capable of hitting that level, and he did against Girona as well.
"But when you can't rotate Robertson out and he does have to go game after game, you do see he is short a yard, he looks tired, he looks leggy, he's just a second late to the ball and that's the thing you notice when players are starting to decline - they just don't get to the challenge and that's why you give away penalties, you give away red cards."
The 30-year-old's defensive ability had rarely been questioned in previous seasons, but it is alarming that there have arguably been more concerns raised regarding the Scotsman's defensive level this campaign than right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who had long been seen as the weaker of the two out of possession.
Alternatives to Robinson
Reports emerged in the past days that Bournemouth are reportedly in negotiations to sign Lanus left-back Julio Soler from Argentina, and this has only fuelled speculation that current Cherries left-back Milos Kerkez could soon find himself subject to interest from Liverpool.
Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri has also been linked to the Reds in the past, and should Wolves finish in the bottom three and get relegated to the Championship, the Algerian could be available for a cut-price deal and become a real target for the Reds.
However, Lynch expressed his view that Liverpool are likely to stick with their options at present, trusting that Kostas Tsimikas and Robertson can continue to lead the club to Premier League glory, telling Sports Mole:"On the topic of January [reinforcements at left-back], that's something I struggle to see as well because Liverpool will think that they can get through with what they have and I tend to agree with them.
"I think if you can rotate [Robertson and Tsimikas], it's good enough. You just suffer when one of them sustains an injury, so hopefully Liverpool can get a bit lucky with that."
Robertson is set to miss out on Liverpool's EFL Cup game against Southampton on Wednesday, but he will be available for his side's clash against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday.
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/liverpool/transfer-talk/news/robertson-out-robinson-in-liverpool-must-target-a-new-left-back-in-the-summer_560839.html?newsnow
Club hovering to sign Fulham attacker – Looking for a bargain deal
There's a claim in the Turkish media that Trabzonspor are the latest club to show interest in Fulham attacker Adama Traore.
The Spanish winger has also been linked with Besiktas in recent weeks as they look to add to their squad in January.
Hurriyet report Trabzonspor are monitoring the situation with the Fulham player as they look to bolster their attacking options. The Super Lig side have struggled in attack this season and are looking at different options ahead of the upcoming transfer window. Southampton's Paul Onuachu is a forward also reportedly on their agenda.
Trabzonspor should expect to face competition from Super Lig rivals Besiktas following reports they are lining up an attractive offer to sign Traore during the next transfer window. The Black Eagles are keen to sign a right winger in the new year and have also been linked with Manchester Untied's Antony.
Traore has made 16 appearances for Fulham this season, scoring one goal. He's contracted to the Premier League side until next summer, but they have the option to extend this for another season.
http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-hovering-to-sign-fulham-attacker-looking-for-a-bargain-del/
Rodrigo Muniz is pure Premier League box office
Now talk of Morten Gamst Pedersen and Jay Jay Okocha as prime "Barclaysmen" has been put firmly back in its box, I'm left wondering which players we'll be talking about in the same breath in 20 years' time.
Not the Mo Salahs, the Kevin de Bruynes, or the Bukayo Sakas, but those salt-of-the-earth players who define the league, like Jarrod Bowen, Dwight McNeil – and Rodrigo Muniz.
Parallels
I remember on a cold night at Loftus Road when the club got John Collins to introduce our new signing, Collins John, to the crowd. Classic banter – classic Fulham.
Collins John, of course, was a Dutch prodigy who arrived as an 18-year-old and went on to have a decent, if unremarkable Fulham career, the highlight being the 2005/06 season where he finished our top scorer in the Premier League with 11 goals. But he sticks in the memory. His late leveller against Manchester City to help send us on our way to our first away win of the season with just two games left to play; his incredible volley at the Riverside against Middlesbrough that was in contention for goal of the season.
Collins John was a Barclaysman – and I see a lot of parallels with Rodrigo.
Muniz's journey
From his arrival as an impressionable 20-year-old to finishing as our top scorer in 2023/24, Muniz is currently on the Collins John highway. Sure, that might seem like an inauspicious trajectory on the face of it, but Muniz's ceiling is far, far higher than the Liberian.
I'm not going to attempt to create a name for a modern-day Barclaysman but suffice to say Muniz is Premier League box office. It's not about the number of goals you chalk up, it's the moments you create – and Rodrigo's already created so many.
His bicycle kick against Sheffield United to salvage a point at Bramall Lane. His brace to see off Spurs at the Cottage. Then think about this season; he's not even firing on all cylinders, yet he's bagged at the Etihad and finished with aplomb at Anfield to put us ahead late on against the league winners. And judging by the image of him by the Anfield corner flag, the boy always knows where the cameras are.
Cult status assured
Roddy doesn't need to bag 20 goals a season for the next five years – he's already got cult hero status at Fulham. But that's not to say he can't graduate to legend status. He's currently interchangeable with Raul Jinenez in the nine, which is working well for us, and for both men. Raul's benefitting more, but Muniz has a full decade on his 33-year-old teammate – time's on his side.
The fact is, he could net half-a-dozen goals a season for the next couple of years, before spells at Everton and West Ham and he'd still be considered a modern Barclaysman. But my money's on him doing far better than that. He's box office. And he's ours.
https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-12-18-rodrigo-muniz-is-pure-premier-league-box-office/
Everton interested in Hamza Igamane; Fulham, Newcastle United, West Ham United also keen
Everton are reportedly interested in Rangers striker Hamza Igamane, with scouts watching the 22-year-old during a recent game against Tottenham.
According to TBR Football, Everton are interested in a move for Hamza Igamane ahead of the January transfer window, as Sean Dyche wants to bring a striker to the club. The futures of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto have come under scrutiny as they recently watched the Rangers star in action against Tottenham in the Europa League.
In the wake of Tottenham's 1-1 draw away to Rangers in the Europa League, the criticisms drawn towards Spurs clouded a performance from a future top star. Rangers striker Hamza Igamane put in a good display against the Premier League side and opened the scoring for the Glasgow side in that contest.
Everton scouts were present in the stands to watch Igamane in action, as they are reportedly planning on making a move for the 22-year-old African striker in January. Rangers only signed him back in the summer and could be in danger of losing him as soon as six months, as Igamane has shown enough quality to attract Premier League interest.
West Ham are also keen, with the club eager to bring in a new striker following the unfortunate road accident suffered by Michail Antonio. Similarly, Newcastle United are eager to look for a new frontman to deputise for Alexander Isak, while Fulham are also interested in strengthening the position.
In Everton's case, they are in a position to bring in a new striker and give the new man an important role in the side. Given the 22-year-old African striker's experience at the top level is not much, he could prioritise playing time, that the Toffees could offer.
Everton need a new striker
Everton are entering the January window in the knowledge that one of their current two strikers could leave. Beto is keen on an exit as he is not getting enough playing time, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin's contract also expires in the summer, which could see him depart on a Bosman deal at the end of the campaign.
Names like Brian Brobbey have been mentioned, but given Everton's precarious financial position, they will look to cash in on Beto and use the money to bring someone like Igamane. Hence, a move for the 22-year-old African striker could be on the cards in January, subject to the price tag Rangers place as well as the player's desire to move here.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/12/18/everton-interested-in-hamza-igamane-fulham-newcastle-united-west-ham-united-also-keen/#google_vignette
USMNT star Robinson admits he 'would leave' Fulham
Antonee Robinson has admitted he is open to leaving Fulham amid reported interest from some of the Premier League's biggest clubs.
The U.S. men's national team left back has been one of the top performers at his position this season, turning in another outstanding display in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Liverpool — one of his rumored suitors.
Robinson has 12 Premier League assists since the start of last season — the most of any defender. He also leads the entire division in interceptions, minutes played and crosses into the penalty area this season.
With Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and others reportedly eyeing a transfer for the 27-year-old, he didn't deny that he could be on the move soon.
"I'm very happy here, the fact that there is interest from other teams is great," Robinson told Marca. "Obviously, it all comes down to whether someone wants me enough to pay what Fulham would ask. So, if the club sees it as a good idea, I would leave."
Robinson, who was named Fulham's player of the season in 2023-24, has a contract with the Cottagers through 2028.
After his side's match at Anfield on Saturday, Fulham head coach Marco Silva was full of praise for his team's star left back.
"What a performance. It is difficult to find one moment where he wasn't at a really high level," Silva said of the U.S. international.
"What a performance from him, what a performance. An unbelievable performance from him, and I told him at the end of the game that he has to be really proud of the way he played this afternoon."
https://prosoccerwire-eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/premier-league/2024/12/18/antonee-robinson-transfer-fulham-star-admits-he-could-leave/77067071007/
Fulham eyeing surprise swoop for Brighton star Evan Ferguson
The Irish striker is struggling for game-time with the Seagulls after injury
Fulham are investigating a deal for Evan Ferguson in the January transfer window.
Marco Silva wants to boost his forward options in what is shaping up to be a promising season, and the Brighton striker is being looked at as a serious option.
Injury has seen Ferguson's promising career lose some momentum after immediate impact for Brighton at the start of last season, with manager Fabian Hurzeler now enjoying a wealth of attacking options.
Although the German recently denied that the 20-year-old is available, and while Brighton see him as a bright prospect for the future, Fulham are willing to test that stance.
The London club are hoping a loan deal until the end of the season may be possible, as they believe it could be an option that is best for all parties.
Ferguson needs consistent minutes after his injury lay-off, with Brighton's form currently making that difficult. Fulham can offer that in favourable conditions, as they aim for European football.
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/evan-ferguson-transfer-fulham-brighton-b2666753.html
USMNT and Fulham star Antonee Robinson is the Premier League's best left back, but what exactly makes him so good?
Robinson has come into his own this season, and now offers a world-class presence for Marco Silva's side
Left backs aren't cool these days. It's up for debate if they ever really have been. Such are the tactical tweaks in modern football, and the interchangeability of positions, that a traditional outside back - the kind of player who runs up, runs down, tackles and crosses - doesn't really exist anymore.
Everyone tucks in, plays sideways passes, crosses from deep. They are all converted midfielders or bruising center backs pushed out wide.
And so we arrive at Antonee Robinson. He is, in some ways, a throwback. Here we have an athlete, who always did all of those traditional things - those runs, crosses, duels - very well. But this year, he's elevated himself into the elite. He's made old fashioned look exciting and traditional look modern. Suddenly, both Fulham and America have a world-class left back at their disposal.
Fulham fans might tell you that he's been this good for a while - or at least that he has been progressing toward it. USMNT fans who remember his failed medical at Milan in 2020, or full senior debut assist in 2018, might also make a case. But few could really claim to have seen this coming, a diligent, mid level player being mentioned alongside some of the best in his position.
Still, after an excellent start to the season, he deserves every compliment, and is good value for the big money move that many have him tipped for.
The Numbers
To understand what, exactly, has made Antonee Robinson so good this year, you need to watch all 97 minutes of Fulham's Premier League clash with Liverpool last Saturday. Zoom out, and the stats look pretty good: 2 assists, eight duels won, the impressive feat of keeping Mo Salah off the scoreboard (yes, that's what success is against the Egyptian these days.)
Defenders are hard to analyze statistically. There are so many variables at play: how a team sets up, whether a manager wants his full-backs to attack, or, in general, the relative quality of an opponent. The numbers will tell you, for example, that James Tarkowski of struggling Everton is better in some ways than Virgil Van Dijk. Watch even 20 minutes of football, and that is fairly easily dismissed.
Still, there are some numbers at play that work. Last year, Robinson totaled seven assists in all competitions. This year, he already has six. His chances created, pass accuracy, shot creating actions, and progressive passing numbers are all up.
On the other side of the ball, things are equally impressive. According to FBRef, he's in the 88th percentile among all full backs for tackles won, 95th for interceptions, and 94th for clearances. Caveats aside - yes, there are a fair few of them - that has all the makings of an elite left back.
The vibes
Get caught in the number trap all you want, and there's still a lot to work with. For so long, Robinson was hailed for his pace and work rate. It was always known that he was a live wire on the left, a relentless runner capable of keeping up with most wingers. The raw athleticism needed to play his position was never in question.
But this season, the little things are more in place than they have ever been. Robinson's one-on-one nous is apparent. He seldom gets caught square against opponents, and is harder to dribble past. The list of wingers that Robinson has been able to contain makes for fine reading: Salah, Bukayo Saka and Savinho.
And then, going the other way, there are the tiny adjustments. Marco Silva has Fulham - yes, Fulham - playing expansive attacking football this season. This is a quick, entertaining side. And Robinson plays a key role in the attacking setup.
The rapid left back is ordered to scamper forward, and knock crosses into the box. It's something, historically, he has been mixed at. Balls have been shanked out of bounds, or overhit. Groans have echoed around Craven Cottage. This year, though, Robinson has figured out two key passes.
The first is a low driven ball to the near post, the exploitation of the "corridor of uncertainty" with a skidding drive to cut through the grass. It's how Fulham scored their second against Liverpool. And then there's the delicate floated pass to the far post, one for Raul Jimenez or a late runner to knock in to the net. It's how the Cottagers got their first.
Sure, there are still mistakes. But there is cutting edge to be found.
The armband
It was the 96th minute of Fulham's Premier League clash with Tottenham, and Robinson was sprinting after the ball. Really, it didn't seem possible. Everyone else on the pitch in an unfriendly, barely-watchable 1-1 looked exhausted. But here was a defender, tearing up the pitch in stoppage time, with his team trying to hold a result. Sprinting 70 yards, sorted in no time, dispossessing an opponent before seeing out a hard-fought draw. It was, in many ways, the standout moment from the game.
There are two reasons for that. The first is the English obsession with work rate and football - the idea that footballers, above all, should be passionate runners. And then, there was the significance of the band on his arm when he did it. The decision to make Robinson captain after fellow American Tim Ream left the club seemed a questionable one. Players of his position aren't typically leaders. Full backs are good soldiers, "servants to the club." Moments like that, though, prove his credentials.
There's also something quite American about the guy. Robinson may play for the USMNT, but he was born in Milton Keynes, played in the Everton academy and holds eligibility for the side through his father, who was raised in White Plains, New York. Listen to an interview, and this is not a man who would seem to belong next to the twang of Matt Turner or drawl of Weston McKennie.
But he does have the scrappiness that came to define a generation of American players. There's an inspirational sort of ruggedness here - the kind of thing that Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and so many USMNT players before him fed off on the international stage.
Mauricio Pochettino's influence
There was much talk, when Mauricio Pochettino first took the USMNT job, about how the manager might improve individuals. Could he get the most out of Christian Pulisic? Is there some version of Harry Kane hiding somewhere in Folarin Balogun? Can a line be drawn from the two years of brilliance of Dele Alli to an injury-stricken Gio Reyna?
Some of this was initial excitement, fanciful thoughts that ignored the more apparent reality of international football - players don't typically develop when they're away with their country.
But that doesn't mean that they can't change, or hone what they're good at. Pochettino's first four fixtures in charge offered some interesting insights about what his U.S. tenure might look like. Perhaps what stuck out the most, though, was his insistence on tactical flexibility.
No one really just played one position, or occupied one role. Robinson was the poster child of that principle. At times, he played like a left winger in a 3-2-5 build up structure. At others, he dropped deeper, tucking in to become a de-facto center midfielder, making things happen from the middle of the pitch. It was unfamiliar territory for a footballer once regarded as little more than a runner.
But he pulled it off with aplomb.
Of course, different managers require different things. For Fulham, Robinson stays wide. Football, though, is an increasingly skillset-based game. This is all about what a player can do in a given system - and the skills that come with it. So, no, Robinson won't be an inverted full back in the ilk of Trent Alexander-Arnold, or a tidy ball player like John Stones. Still, under a new manager, his skills have developed. Something has been unlocked. That can only be considered a good thing.
What next?
Robinson caused a bit of a stir this week when he "liked" a series of social posts from Liverpool fans asking him to join the club. Ignore, momentarily, the fact that the outreach from the Red side of Merseyside is perhaps a little unkind towards Andy Robertson, who has endured a difficult start to the season. Still, there is a bit of truth here.
Fulham are a good side who will finish somewhere mid table, a summer after losing an elite defensive midfielder, and three years removed from being in England's second tier. Robinson is the captain of that team. This is no small feat. But there's also the sense that he's too good for this side.
He will be 28 next summer, and undoubtedly ready to take the next step in his career. Grumpy Liverpool fans are backed up by some skittish talk in the British press that Arne Slot's side could be interested. Manchester United have also been linked (although that would be a remarkably bad career choice.)
The broader point is that the American is in a unique position in which he might just be able to exit with grace. Fulham has developed him wonderfully. But perhaps bigger things call. And for a player who can claim, with some validity, to be among the best in the world at his position, there is no better compliment to him, or the club that has polished him.
https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/usmnt-and-fulham-star-antonee-robinson-is-the-premier-league-s-best-left-back-but-what-exactly-makes/bltf0377a5874354a48?utm_id=fa3iys5y8hyz9ezk&utm_source_platform=newsnow#csf73491aba832dc91