Everton’s recruitment over the past decade has been widely criticized, with the club making several high-profile signings that failed to deliver value. Players like Yannick Bolasie, Morgan Schneiderlin, Davy Klaassen, Cenk Tosun, Yerry Mina, André Gomes, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Moise Kean, and Allan arrived for significant fees but offered little return on investment. Amid these missteps, one decision stands out as particularly costly: the sale of a top-class Premier League full-back for just £2m. This move has proven to be a major blunder, especially given Everton’s current struggles in the full-back positions.
### Everton’s Full-Back Dilemma in 2024/25
Everton’s recent 1-1 draw with Wolves extended their unbeaten run to eight Premier League games, lifting them to 15th place under manager David Moyes. However, despite this improvement, the squad lacks quality, particularly in the full-back roles. Karen Carney, a former England midfielder, has criticized the club’s long-term strategy, and this deficiency is evident in their defensive options.
The Toffees’ full-back choices are far from ideal. Vitaliy Mykolenko, described as “limited” and “unspectacular” by The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland, and Ashley Young, who turns 40 in July, are the primary options. Nathan Patterson and Séamus Coleman, both sidelined by injuries, have barely featured this season. This has forced Moyes to deploy centre-back Jake O’Brien at right-back in recent weeks.
### The One That Got Away: Antonee Robinson
Amid these struggles, Everton’s decision to sell Antonee Robinson for just £2m in 2019 looks increasingly regrettable. Robinson, who joined Everton’s academy at 11, never made a first-team appearance for the club. After loan spells at Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic, he was sold to Wigan permanently. A move to AC Milan collapsed due to a heart condition discovered during his medical, and he eventually joined Fulham in 2020.
Since then, Robinson has flourished, becoming one of the Premier League’s best left-backs. He has made 180 appearances for Fulham, starting all but one of their last 60 league games. His performances have earned widespread praise, with The Athletic labeling him the “best left-back in the Premier League.” Robinson’s stats this season are impressive, with 10 assists, 71 tackles, and 47 interceptions, ranking him among the league’s top defenders.
### Everton’s Missed Opportunity
Robinson’s current market value is estimated at £31m, higher than any player in Everton’s squad, including Jarrad Branthwaite and Richarlison, who was sold for £60m. Fulham would reportedly demand £40-50m for his services amid interest from Liverpool. Everton’s failure to retain or re-sign Robinson has left them with a glaring weakness in their squad, highlighting yet another costly misstep in their recruitment strategy.
As Everton prepares to move into their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, the club must address its flawed recruitment process. Letting a player of Robinson’s caliber slip away for a fraction of his current value is a stark reminder of the mistakes that have plagued the club in recent years.
