They say a team is only as strong as its full-backs, and for Fulham, that old adage is ringing painfully true this season. While securing the futures of manager Marco Silva and star winger Harry Wilson are the headline priorities this summer, addressing the defensive flanks is a mission-critical item right behind them.
On paper, the Cottagers appear well-stocked. On the left is Antonee 'Jedi' Robinson, a US international once coveted by AC Milan. On the right stands Kenny Tete, a seasoned professional with pedigree from PSV Eindhoven. Yet, this campaign has exposed significant cracks in what seemed a solid foundation, suggesting a summer refresh may be necessary.
The decline of Antonee Robinson has been particularly stark. After undergoing knee surgery last summer, the dynamic left-back has struggled to recapture the electrifying form that made him last season's Player of the Year. Since returning to the lineup, his performances have been uncharacteristically shaky, marked by costly dispossessions, defensive lapses, and wayward crossing—a far cry from the player who terrorized Premier League wings.
On the opposite side, Kenny Tete's issues are different but equally concerning. While his performances have generally been more reliable than Robinson's, his availability has not. Tete has missed a dozen or more games in each of the last three seasons, and his recurring absences have exposed a lack of depth. His deputy, Timothy Castagne, struggled mightily against Liverpool's young talent last weekend, highlighting a gap in quality for a team with top-half ambitions.
In the modern game, full-backs are the engine room—vital for both stifling attacks and launching them. Currently, Fulham's are hindering both phases of play. If the club's ambition is to soar toward European qualification, fixing this foundational issue isn't just important; it's urgent. The summer transfer window presents the perfect opportunity to rebuild from the back and ensure the team's width is a source of strength, not a point of weakness.