Antonee Robinson (Getty Images)
According to Sky Sports, Fulham signed Wigan Athletic left-back Antonee Robinson for a fee in the region of £2million last week.
The US international started his career with Everton before having loan spells with Bolton Wanderers and Wigan, eventually joining the Latics last summer.
Having impressed at Wigan while on loan during his first season with them, Robinson was immediately made the side’s first-choice left-back last season. Robinson was a regular in the side, making 38 league appearances before a groin injury disrupted the second half of his Championship season.
He kept 11 clean sheets, scored a goal, and provided one assist in the process, giving a fair glimpse of his potential.
Fulham, on the other hand, secured Premier League promotion last season after defeating Brentford in the Championship play-off final. The Cottagers led by manager Scott Parker are returning to the top-flight after a gap of one year following their relegation in the 2018-19 season.
The report claims that Fulham are in the process of building a squad to sustain in the Premier League for a longer duration, unlike last time.
Robinson’s arrival will offer Parker more depth at left-back this season, with the side currently having just Joe Bryan in that role. The 26-year-old was manager Parker’s first-choice last season, impressing with three goals and seven assists from 46 Championship matches.
However, apart from Bryan, Fulham do not have any other player in their ranks who can feature as a left-back, meaning Robinson’s inclusion solves that problem.
Moreover, having impressed for Wigan last season, he could give Bryan a good run for his money. This, in turn, will offer manager Parker a good selection headache. Thus, the Cottagers have made a wise choice by landing a rising young left-back such as Robinson.
It is clear that Fulham lacked enough left-backs in their side and Robinson’s addition will only add more strength to their squad. The youngster has already proven himself at such a short duration while playing for Wigan. Also, he is just 23 and will be raring to prove a point for a newly-promoted side such as Fulham.