Mumbai City FC are likely to be active in the transfer market, with reports claiming they could be going into the season with up to five foreign slots filled. It has been reported that the Islanders have secured the signings of defender Carlos Delgado from Odisha, and midfielder Sergio Llamas from Inter Kashi, subject to medical tests.
However, current reports from Mohun Bagan based outlet MBFT are also linking Mariner’s Robson Robinho to the club. Both the clubs continue to advance in conversations with the hope of striking a deal. Robson is contracted till 2028 and there are rumors floating around that the deal could be a loan deal with Mumbai City FC covering a substantial amount of Robson’s Salary.
With Mumbai City needing a creative spark in their side and Jorge Ortiz’s future uncertain, Robson is an option the side is looking toward.
Robson’s journey so far
Robson is a player best known within South Asian footballing circles for his stint with champion Bangladeshi club Bashundhara Kings. The Brazilian was arguably the best player in the league for the four years he spent at the Dhaka-based side, registering 55 goals and 43 assists (98 g/a) in 76 league appearances.
Before his stint at Bashundhara Kings, Robson played at a host of Brazilian clubs, with the most notable being Fluminense. After his stint in Bangladesh, he had a short six-game return to the Brazilian league system with Agua Santa, before he was signed by Mohun Bagan.
In his first season in India, the wide man struggled with injuries, averaging 51 minutes per game in the eleven appearances he made. However, he was still able to register three goals and an assist as the Mariners secured a second-place finish.
What could Robson bring to Mumbai City?
Robson’s main asset is his creativity and chance creation, either for himself or his teammates. The wide man is adept at finding pockets of space, and using his ability to either take the ball past defenders, or play a pass forward to attackers in front of him.
His ability to drift away from the touchline and take up central areas allows him to be an active part of attacks and be involved in the play. Aside from creative ability, Robson is also accurate from distance, and has the ability to be a goalscoring presence as well.
How will he fit into Manolo Marquez’s tactics?
For new Mumbai head coach Manolo Marquez, Robson could be an integral part of his setup. At every club, quality out wide has been a key facet of his setup. For instance, Joel Chianese at Hyderabad, and Noah Sadaoui at FC Goa. However, the most notable similarity drawn could be Marquez’s utilization of Dejan Drazic.
Manolo, in his two seasons managing Drazic for the Gaurs, used him as a player drifting in from the left wing to create or take a shot from range. With Robson’s strength being precisely those attributes, it is likely Marquez will view the Brazilian as his version of a Drazic-mould wide player at Mumbai.
If he joins the Islanders, it is likely he would be Mumbai’s first-choice on the left-hand side. With Lallianzuala Chhangte’s departure, Robson would likely become the club’s go-to attacking weapon.
However, his fitness would likely remain a concern, paired with the possibility of an increased cost to the club, could make Mumbai City consider other options as well.
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