Football
Manchester United and Aston Villa Eye Fulham Full-Back Antonee Robinson
Stoke City v Fulham - Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round by Malcolm Couzens | Getty Images
Manchester United and Aston Villa are ready to battle it out for Fulham star Antonee Robinson with both clubs weighing up a summer move, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
The flying left-back has emerged as a serious target after another impressive campaign at Craven Cottage, where he has been one of Fulham’s most consistent performers.
Robinson’s displays have alerted a number of top clubs, but United and Villa are among those most closely monitoring the situation ahead of the summer window and a potential £25million move.
United are particularly keen to strengthen at left-back after a string of problems in that position this season.
Experienced England and Premier League left-back Luke Shaw has struggled with long-term injuries, while the club have lacked consistent options on the left side of defence.
That has forced United to scout the market for reinforcements and Robinson’s pace, reliability and Premier League experience have made him a standout candidate.
Robinson, 28, has grown into one of the Premier League’s most dependable full-backs under boss Marco Silva and his attacking threat down the left flank has made him a key figure for the South West London side.
Manchester United’s left flank could look completely transformed next season, with Robinson linked at left-back and Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon also heavily eyed for the attack.
EAGER
Sources close to the player say Robinson is also eager to test himself at the very highest level and is desperate to play Champions League football before his career comes to an end.
United could offer him that opportunity next season, with the club currently sitting third in the Premier League and firmly on course to qualify for Europe’s elite competition.
Villa are also exploring the market for defensive reinforcements and Robinson’s pace, energy and proven top-flight pedigree have put him firmly on their radar.
Robinson joined Fulham from Wigan Athletic in August 2020 in a deal worth around £2million, signing a four-year contract after previously coming through the ranks at Everton.
He has racked up more than 205 appearances in all competitions for the Cottagers and made the left-back spot firmly his own, with 149 of those games have come in the Premier League.
Robison played a key role in Fulham’s Championship title-winning campaign in 2022 and has continued to go from strength to strength since their return to the Premier League.
CORNERSTONE
Last season saw Robinson raise his game again, becoming a cornerstone of Fulham’s resilient backline while continuing to provide a constant attacking outlet down the left.
He has also established himself as the undisputed first-choice left-back for the United States, famously playing every minute bar one of their run to the knockout stages at the World Cup in Qatar.
Robinson now has 50 caps for his country and is expected to be a key figure again for the Americans at this summer’s World Cup.
However, Fulham are determined to keep hold of one of their standout performers, particularly after tying him down to a long-term contract extension in 2023 that runs until 2028.
But Robinson’s continued rise means interest in the dynamic defender is only likely to intensify when the summer transfer window opens.
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.