Everton are set for an unexpected financial boost if Manchester United complete a move for Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson. The Red Devils have identified Robinson as a transfer target, and a clause in his contract at Craven Cottage would see the Toffees receive a portion of any transfer fee.
Robinson's Everton roots and career path
Robinson began his career at Everton, progressing through the academy at Finch Farm. However, he never made a senior appearance for the club, instead enjoying loan spells at Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic before making a permanent move to Wigan in the 2019-20 season. Fulham then signed him in 2020, where he has established himself as one of the Premier League's top left-backs, attracting interest from United.
Sell-on clause details
When Wigan sold Robinson to Fulham, they inserted a clause entitling them to 20% of any profit from a future sale. Everton, in turn, have their own clause from the deal that took Robinson to Wigan, which guarantees them 33% of any profit Wigan make from their sell-on clause. Robinson is currently valued at around £28m by Fulham, meaning Everton could earn approximately £1.5m if a transfer goes through.
While this figure is modest compared to the fees often discussed in the transfer market, it represents a tidy sum for a player who departed Goodison Park six years ago. Robinson faced stiff competition for the left-back spot at Everton, competing with both Leighton Baines and Lucas Digne.
Robinson's departure from Everton
Realising his path to the first team was blocked, Robinson held honest discussions with the Everton board and decided to leave for Wigan. Reflecting on those talks in an August 2020 interview, he said: "Not one regret, no. Everton were always really honest with me. They just said, 'We’ve got rid of a few players but we definitely need to keep Bainesy. We can’t get rid of Jags, the captain, and lose Baines as well. It’s getting rid of so much of Everton in the changing room and he’s such a good player. We’ve got him and Digne starts for us so you have to wait for two injuries to start. You’re not even making the bench at the minute. We think it’s best for you if you just leave. It’s nothing to do with you, it’s just you need to play.' I am really thankful they were that upfront and honest with me because it gave me the chance to go away and progress elsewhere."
Since joining Fulham, Robinson has made 158 appearances, contributing one goal and 17 assists for the west London club.
