Antonee Robinson certainly caught the eye at Anfield on Saturday, and more than a few Liverpool fans are looking at him as a possible successor to Andy Robertson - there is one slight issue with that though.
Whereas the Reds’ left-back had an afternoon to forget against Fulham, Robinson couldn’t have done much more to enhance his reputation, bagging assists for both of the visitors’ goals while also keeping Mohamed Salah fairly quiet.
It’s no wonder Fulham boss Marco Silva rates him as the best in his position in the Premier League right now, although that sort of status does bring plenty of transfer attention - especially when it comes to Liverpool.
Rumors are rife that the Reds could soon be looking for a new left-back, with Robertson not quite reaching his usual high standards this season. Robinson has inevitably seen himself linked with a move to Anfield, and if his social media activity is anything to go by, he seems quite keen on the idea himself.
If Liverpool is to make a move for the USMNT star though, it would mean inadvertently helping out their Merseyside neighbors.
According to the ECHO, Everton would stand to benefit from any move Robinson makes in January, with the 27-year-old having started out at the academy at Goodison Park. As part of a deal agreed when he made the move to Wigan Athletic in 2020, Everton would receive 33 percent of the 20 percent sell-on clause the League One side has in place on any profit made by Fulham should Robinson be sold.
Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson and Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.
Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson and Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch. (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Therefore, if Fulham were to receive around $51m (£40m/€49m) having signed Robinson for $2.5m (£2m/€2.4m) from Wigan, Everton would be in line to receive around $3.1m (£2.5m/€3m). While that might not sound like much, it would be greatly welcomed by the Toffees ahead of what could be a crucial January window for them, especially given their PSR troubles last season.
Liverpool.com says: If you’re an Everton fan reading this, don’t get your hopes up. It would be a surprise if Liverpool went in for a left-back during January, and even if they did, Robinson might not be the one they go for.
As good as he is, his age might work against him. He is, after all, only three years younger than Robertson, so the Reds would be much more likely to go for a younger option.