Everton are partial to the odd transfer misstep, whether it be a player sold or a misguided acquisition.
In this particular instance, the latter is abundantly clear, and it is an error that seems to keep building in stature.
After all, this 2020 sale has swiftly developed from a player cast away by the Toffees into one of the Premier League‘s top-performing players in his role; ironically, a role that Everton manager Sean Dyche is currently light on the ground in.
And, to make matters worse, the latest news suggests that Manchester United are now sniffing around him, set to offer a mouth-watering £40m for his services.
Carlo Ancelotti sold him for just £2m four years ago…
Manchester United want to sign Everton graduate Antonee Robinson
The latest on the future of Fulham star Antonee Robinson came courtesy of GIVEMESPORT, who earlier this week detailed how the Red Devils were planning an audacious coup for the American international.
Their report read: ‘Manchester United are looking to thwart Premier League rivals Liverpool and Chelsea in their attempts to win the race for the signing of Antonee Robinson as plans have been put in place at Old Trafford to accelerate their pursuit of the Fulham star, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
‘Although GMS sources have been informed that Manchester United are unlikely to want to meet the Cottagers’ £40million demands, the fact he has vast amounts of Premier League experience is a major attraction, while Liverpool and Chelsea are also contemplating whether to up the ante in their pursuit.’
Leon Osman criticised Everton for selling Robinson earlier this year, and his claims are now even more justified.
Carlo Ancelotti made a huge error by selling Antonee Robinson
Ancelotti did not make many mistakes during his largely successful one-and-a-half-year spell at Goodison Park, but selling Robinson has certainly developed into one.
Although, at the time little was said.
After all, despite being highly rated on Merseyside, the £2m gained as he moved to Wigan Athletic represented a shrewd piece of business, swiftly replaced by Niels Nkounkou on a free transfer.
The Frenchman became the subject of many fans’ affections, with his pace and trickery offering a unique backup for the immovable Lucas Digne.
However, with both having now left Everton, and Vitaliy Mykolenko currently the only fit senior left-back remaining, Dyche would love to have Robinson in his ranks too.
Especially given how the attack-minded 27-year-old has developed, both defensively and offensively.
In fact, when compared against other full-backs across Europe, he sits in the top 10% for assists per 90, as well as the top 13% for tackles, the top 2% for interceptions and the top 6% for clearances per 90, via FBref.
Robinson is the quintessential modern-day full-back, and Ancelotti made a huge error selling when he did.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
