Antonee Robinson has returned from a successful loan spell at Wigan Athletic and says he’s targeting a place in the Everton first-team next season after receiving positive words from Marco Silva.
The 21-year-old made 26 appearances for the Latics, all of which were 90-minute outings, and revealed in an interview with the Wigan Observer that Silva was “pleased” with his form in 2018/19.
Robinson said: “I’ve definitely learnt a lot over the year and certainly come on as a player. It’s all progress towards the main goal which is to make the breakthrough at Everton.
“I’ll be going back for pre-season fighting fit and raring to go. The manager’s been in touch with me, he keeps telling me what I need to work on and stuff. He’s been pleased with me for what I’ve done this season so I don’t see why he wouldn’t give me a chance next season.”
Robinson has spent the last two years out on loan – Bolton Wanderers (August 4, 2017 – May 31, 2018), Wigan (August 3, 2018 – May 31, 2019) – and has done all he can to impress Silva.
The left-back has yet to make his first-team debut, playing exclusively for Everton’s u23s, but he does have a good opportunity to be in the senior squad as two of his competitors could leave.
Leighton Baines has an uncertain future at Goodison Park and will be out of contract at the end of June. Everton are reportedly keen to keep the 34-year-old, but Baines may not want a backup role next season which could open the door to Robinson.
Brendan Galloway is also waiting in the wings, but the 23-year-old has struggled for playing time and might be moved on this summer.