According to SkyBet, newly promoted side Newcastle United are now the third favourites to land Hull City’s full-back Andrew Robertson after the Scotsman was linked with many top Premier League sides in the past few weeks. The Scottish international was one of the revelations last term, and although he couldn’t save the Tigers from getting relegated, he sure caught the attention, with his brilliant displays.
Coming up from the Championship, Rafael Benitez knows well that neither does he have the stature nor the financial strength to go after the top targets in this window. And the best chance he will have is to get the cream of the relegated sides. Robertson is a classic example of that. At just 22, he has a bright future ahead of him and could be a long-term solution for Newcastle’s left back position.
Although Paul Dummett has been very consistent throughout the last season and is still Benitez’s first choice going into top-flight football, Benitez faces big crisis to get backups for him. After an uneventful debut season in the Championship, former Palermo full-back Achraf Lazaar is likely to depart this summer and the boss has to find a potential replacement and fast. The other option in Massadio Haidara has failed to impress and should go into this season being Benitez’s third choice.
Robertson has proved his mettle at the highest level and would be a decent addition for any side in the Premier League. At just 22, he was a regular for the Tigers the last term, making 39 appearances in total but unfortunately, he saw his team go down the red zone for the second time.
An academy product of Scottish side Queens Park FC, Robertson got his first chance in their first team back in in 2012. He didn’t fail to impress and was soon picked up by Premiership side Dundee United the following year. His progress continued and Hull City, then a Premier League side, picked him up in 2014.
The left-back had an impressive 24 appearances in his debut season with the Tigers but wasn’t able to stop them from getting relegated in 2014. However, he showed perseverance and helped them win back a promotion to the Premier League one year later. Getting demoted to Championship once again, he is unlikely to stay with the club any longer, and with numerous big suitors vying for him he is surely moving away.
A perfect left back, Robertson can also pay as a left winger and has caught the attention of many with his passing and dribbling skills. Merseyside club Liverpool are one his prime admirers, who remain narrowly ahead (3/1) in his pursuit over Newcastle’s (7/2), while Burnley remains the firm favourites (10/11).