Ex-Everton player David Moyes sold for just £4m is now worth £80m and he wants him back

David Moyes Eyes Sensational Buy-Back of Former Everton Star Antonee RobinsonIn a intriguing twist of football fate, Everton manager David Moyes is reportedly plotting a January move to re-sign left-back Antonee Robinson from Fulham. The American international, who came through Everton’s academy, was sold to Wigan Athletic for a mere £2 million in 2019—a decision that now looks like a massive oversight as Robinson’s market value has skyrocketed to around £35 million.

Robinson joined Everton’s youth setup in 2008 at the age of 11, during Moyes’ first tenure as manager from 2002 to 2013. Under Moyes’ watchful eye, the young defender showed early promise, but it was after the Scot’s departure that Robinson’s path diverged. Loan spells at Bolton Wanderers and Wigan honed his skills, leading to that cut-price permanent switch to Wigan. Just a year later, amid Wigan’s financial woes, Fulham snapped him up for £1.9 million. Since then, Robinson has blossomed into one of the Premier League’s top left-backs, earning caps for the USA and attracting interest from giants like Liverpool, Manchester United, and Newcastle.

Now 28, Robinson’s pace, defensive solidity, and attacking contributions have made him indispensable at Fulham. His current form has boosted his valuation significantly, with Transfermarkt listing him at €30 million and other estimates reaching up to €44 million. Yet, according to journalist Alan Nixon, Fulham might be willing to let him go for a surprise £25 million—a fee that represents a bargain for a player of his caliber but still a staggering markup from Everton’s original sale.

Moyes, who returned to Everton in 2025 after successful spells at West Ham, sees Robinson as the ideal solution to bolster his side’s defense amid a challenging season. The Toffees sit mid-table, and reinforcing the left flank could provide the stability needed for a push toward European spots. “Robinson embodies the Everton spirit—he’s tenacious, versatile, and homegrown,” a source close to the club told reporters. Moyes, known for his astute eye for talent, may view this as redemption for letting a gem slip away years ago.

If the deal materializes, it would highlight the unpredictable nature of player development in football. Selling Robinson for peanuts in 2019 seemed pragmatic at the time, given his limited first-team exposure at Goodison Park. But his rise underscores how academy products can become fortunes with the right opportunities. Everton fans would welcome the prodigal son’s return, especially under Moyes, who first nurtured his potential.

As the January window heats up, negotiations could intensify. Fulham, enjoying a solid campaign, aren’t desperate to sell, but £25 million might tempt them if Robinson pushes for a move back to his roots. For Moyes, securing this buy-back could be a masterstroke, turning a past regret into a future triumph.