Liverpool’s ideal Andy Robertson successor about to face ULTIMATE test

Liverpool take on Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon and they will again come face to face with a reported long-term transfer target.

Left-back is emerging as a transfer priority for the Reds with first-choice Andy Robertson turning 31 before the end of the season and beginning to show certain signs of wear and tear.

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Deputy in the position Kostas Tsimikas hasn’t proven to be a ready-made successor to the Scot, meaning left-back has been an area that Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes are seeking to address in transfer windows upcoming.

Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth - once signed by Hughes - and Rayan Ait-Nouri of Wolves are among the names linked. But so too is Antonee Robinson, the USA international who has emerged as one of the Premier League’s elite left-backs over the past few seasons.

Liverpool interested in Antonee Robinson

The 27-year-old joined the Cottagers from Wigan back in 2020 and has established himself as one of the most important players in Marco Silva’s system since. He has captained the side in the league on their last three outings, emerging undefeated against Tottenham, Brighton and Arsenal.

It was reported last winter that Liverpool were seeking to test Fulham’s resolve with a bid amid a left-back injury crisis. However no such transfer materialised but that has not stopped the links.

It was recently claimed that the Reds would go back in for Robinson in January with a reported price tag of £40 million discussed. He is under contract at Craven Cottage until 2028 meaning Fulham are in a strong bargaining position. And if Robinson moves he will come with the endorsement of a Liverpool favourite and - perhaps - the best player in the world.

Salah ENDORSES Robinson

“Jedi” was named Fulham's man of the match in a thrilling 4-3 Liverpool victory at Anfield last season. He has played on the same side of the pitch as Salah throughout his time in the Premier League and revealed in an interview with the Athletic that the Egyptian King was left stunned after one performance in particular against him.

"We played Liverpool in the first game of the season two years ago," he said. "We drew 2-2. I remember saying to my friends, who are all big Liverpool fans and came down because it was around my birthday, ‘Lads, if Salah scores or gets an assist this game, I’ll pay for dinner tonight’, so I put a bit of added pressure on myself. And he did, annoyingly.

“But I remember him saying to me midway through the game, ‘How old are you?’

“So he didn’t really know who I was. I must have been 24, 25. He just nodded and carried on with the game. Then, after the game, I asked for his shirt, so we swapped shirts and we were just chatting and he was like, ‘You were the best player this game, keep up what you’re doing’. That was very nice of him.”

Saka v Robinson battle

Robinson is ready to lock horns once again with Salah on Saturday following a successful outing against Bukayo Saka last weekend.

“I think last season we had some good examples about what means a good battle between the full-back and the winger,” Marco Silva said. “Let’s hope Robinson does as well as he did last season.

“Saka is a good example of what he’s capable of doing, he’s in a very good moment. He’s been great so far this season – not just in our process but in his process too.

“He’s a great athlete and is capable of going up and down, but first of all, he’s a defender and should defend well. Big improvements from him over the last two seasons in that aspect of the game as everybody recognises him as a great athlete. His decision-making is improving and I can see him as one of the best in the league.”

Robinson OPEN to Liverpool move

And while Fulham are delighted to have Robinson in their lineup, the player himself admits he is open to a move. That could mean a return to Merseyside, where he made his way through the Everton academy before striking out for a career at senior level elsewhere.

“Obviously, it comes down to if someone wanted me enough to pay what Fulham would want, and if Fulham saw that as a good idea, then I’d leave,” he said.

And fans inside Anfield will have the opportunity to have an up close and personal glimpse of the man who could be starring down their left side for years to come.

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