Antonee Robinson sees his heart operation delayed due to #Coronavirus, but #ACMilan remain interested in the #Wigan left-back https://t.co/3eVAdlolQW #wafc #EFL pic.twitter.com/sv3p1rUfhZ— Football Italia (@footballitalia) April 5, 2020
Milan aren't what they were when Berlusconi was pumping money into them (though the new American owners should ensure stable finances going forward) but their medical department is still top-notch. If they are still interested, then they assess him as having a relatively minor issue that what is now a fairly routine procedure (my wife is a cardiologist) is 99% likely to clear up. Assuming football resumes in August, I'd be surprised if the deal doesn't go through then.
I'm glad to have some news, and I understand why it made sense to wait, but I am kind of disappointed all the same. I had assumed he had the procedure done already and was using this time off to recuperate.
With the window closed, from Wigan's perspective there was no reason to rush the operation since Robinson is a key player for them, one they absolutely needed on the pitch ASAP for a relegation battle. He was/is also their most valuable player by some distance. Ablation isn't rocket science and isn't even cutting-edge medicine any more, but if you're Antonee or Wigan you would still want it to be carried out by the very best surgeon you can find, and preferably one who is expert in ablating the kind of tissue problem that he has. Those specialists are few, very busy and booked solid for quite a while in advance. If waiting 6-8 weeks longer moves the possibility of failure from "even the slightest" to "absolutely infinitesimal" you'll wait. Then coronavirus in the UK went from a nasty but manageable problem to the biggest BFD in 75 years almost overnight, shutting all essential and non-urgent procedures down immediately. Antonee isn't urgent. It'll be done in the summer.
Milanista here. Don't know that I agree with this. Nothing at the club is top-notch any more. No plan. No culture. No joy. Frankly, I don't believe it's a great situation for a young player who is looking to reach the next level.
Genuinely sorry to hear that the mighty have fallen like that. Like so many of my generation, I'll always have a soft spot for the rossoneri because of that great CL-winning side. Don't know about it not being a great situation for a young player. He'll be in Serie A, showing what he can do against CL elimination round teams, so if he signs a 3-year deal and Milan aren't developing or developing him to his satisfaction, his agent can start looking for better destinations as the second season comes to an end. Unless it's a complete shit show, he should still go for it IMO.
Ain't nobody going near a hospital if they don't have to. Private high-end surgery center is probably ok but still, as you note, why risk it? On the other hand, his rehab would give us something to speculate about, so he's kinda being selfish here imo.
📰 Tuttosport: Two imminent summer exits mean #ACMilan are ready to return for Wigan starhttps://t.co/VQiMvGa5DV #SempreMilan— SempreMilan (@SempreMilanCom) April 18, 2020
Lol I hear ya. It makes sense tho. Milan isn’t Milan of old. Theo will be sold in a year. They want to get a guy now. Give him time to integrate then likely take over after. AR is a great athlete. Has a very good cross. Is young at 22 with room to grow.
Yeah. I like a lot about him and think he's got good upside, but it also seems like there should be a few bodies ahead of him on top team's transfer lists... But hey, in this slow news time, I'll take anything. Cannon to Liverpool!
That’s just it tho, Milan isn’t a top team anymore. Go look at where they’ve finished in Seria A the last 7 years. 8, 10, 7, 6, 6, 5, 7 (with 12 games and who knows how it will finish/COVID*). Their last title was 10 years ago. That’s not a top team. Their upper mid table yea but not top team. Add in that their in financial straits even before the COVID stuff. It makes sense. You have to maximize where you spend and outside back isn’t at the top of list for areas you spend big when struggling financially.
By my definition, they're still a "top team" - consistently top half of a top 4 league (as well as a storied past and serious fan base) makes them a "top team" within a ~20 team list of the "usual suspects." Yeah, they aren't RM or BM or Citeh, and I think Robinson is a good gamble for many clubs, one that will pay off for them if they are willing to work with him (he still seems pretty unpolished to me). But this buy, if it happens, still seems a bit incongruous to their situation and his reputation. But again, I'm here for it. Totally hopes it happens and that he turns into the next Maxwell. (and yes, I know which Milan is which. Don't @ me...)
Kid - kid? the lad - is 23 in August, so he's out of the mouldable stage of his development. Let's say his offensive game improves, but not dramatically, his tactical awareness and, at the very least, his ability to be part of a coherent defensive unit will. Otherwise he'll be shipped out of Italy, never mind Milan, fairly quickly
A 22-23 yo defender can learn plenty if they're smart and interested. He's got some good physical attributes and is comfortable on the ball. The more tactical nous he can manage, the stronger his overall game will be (to state the obvs.)
You'd be amazed how quickly a defenders perceived defensive abilities can skyrocket when surrounded by competent teammates. Milan must see a defensively solid wingback that can get into attack that fits their system. Still would love to see this move happen once he can get that ticker sorted.