Liverpool make BRILLIANT transfer decision as €30m target ruled out of move

Cameron Smith

• 28 Dec 2023 10:00 GMT
• 3 min read

Liverpool are reportedly not interested in signing Fulham defender Antonee Robinson, despite suggestions to the contrary.

Jurgen Klopp is currently without Andrew Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas due to injury, but the Reds aren’t planning on signing a new left-back in January, according to the Liverpool ECHO.

The report states that Robinson is not a transfer target, especially considering Robertson is expected to return to full fitness by the end of January.

It comes after 90min revealed that Liverpool had identified the American international as a possible target following Tsimikas’ collarbone injury. As per 90min, Liverpool have reached out to Fulham in a bid to discuss a move for Robinson.

However, this report has been shut down by the ECHO, who believe that a new left-back won’t be arriving at Anfield next month. Joe Gomez deputised in that role against Burnley and also impressed off the bench versus Arsenal.

Why Liverpool were right to avoid signing Antonee Robinson

Although Robinson certainly shares traits with Robertson, given his similarly-dangerous overlapping runs and boundless energy, the Fulham man is not Liverpool quality.

Pep Guardiola is a known admirer, but the USMNT star is playing at the correct level as things stand and Fulham would likely demand more than his Estimated Transfer Value of €31.4 million.

Furthermore, Robinson isn’t particularly suited to joining Liverpool. In fact, Klopp’s side rank as his 56th best option, according to data analytics experts SciSports.

SciSports’ Career Advice tool takes into account several different factors - including potential development and playing time - to determine which club best suits any given player.

For Robinson, West Ham United would be his ideal next move as their score of 81 is the best of any club, while staying at Fulham ranks second (78). Leicester City, Freiburg and Galatasaray complete the top five.

On the other hand, Liverpool are down in 56th place thanks to their Club Fit Score of just 66. Therefore, deciding against pursuing Robinson was a smart move by the Reds.

The fact that Robertson is on the verge of returning to action has likely played a part in Liverpool's low score as Robinson would soon become a back-up option at Anfield.