12 Championship clubs want Cardiff City's Alex Robertson - Portsmouth, Sheffield United & QPR should be among them | OneFootball

Cardiff City's Alex Robertson is reportedly wanted by 12 Championship clubs this summer after an impressive season in South Wales.

Cardiff City star Alex Robertson is attracting growing interest from across the Championship, with a dozen clubs said to be in the mix for his signature this summer.

The Manchester City academy graduate only joined Cardiff last summer in a deal said to be worth around £3 million, but after a strong individual campaign in a side that ultimately suffered relegation, speculation over his future is quickly building.

According to The News, multiple second-tier sides are monitoring the 22-year-old’s situation, as well as interest from Europe and MLS has also reported.

Robertson one of Cardiff's bright spots in a difficult season

Despite Cardiff’s drop into League One, Robertson was one of the real positives to emerge.

The Australian international made 35 Championship appearances, starting 29 times, scoring three goals and assisting three times.

A progressive and forward-thinking midfielder, Robertson was one of the shining lights in a poor Cardiff side that eventually succumbed to relegation.

His grace in possession, eye for a forward pass, and calmness under pressure caught the eye regularly, and it’s little surprise that so many clubs are now circling.

Talks with Brian Barry-Murphy key to next steps

New Cardiff boss Brian Barry-Murphy is someone Robertson knows well from their time together at Manchester City, and the pair are expected to hold talks this week to discuss the midfielder’s future.

As per The News, the club will be busy over the next few weeks, with nine out-of-contract players departing, while loan duo Will Alves and Sivert Mannsverk have returned to their parent clubs. Four others, Eli King, Joel Colwill, Ryan Wintle, and Ryotaro Tsunoda, are back from loans, adding to the reshuffling.

Robertson, meanwhile, has been keeping sharp during the off-season, training back in Australia with new Pompey signing Adrian Segecic, featuring in a session on the Joner Football YouTube channel, where he described his time at Cardiff as “Good, really good”.

So, Football League World takes a look at three Championship clubs who should be among the 12 sides interested in making a move for Robertson this summer, and why.

Why Portsmouth are pushing hard for a reunion

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho is keen to bolster his midfield options, and Robertson is high on the list.

After playing 27 times on loan at Fratton Park during Pompey’s 2023/24 League One title-winning season, the 22-year-old is said to be open to a return, according to The News.

It’s unclear whether the move would be a permanent deal or another loan, but Robertson’s desire to stay in the Championship and his strong relationship with Mousinho make this a credible option.

Finishing 16th in their first season back in the second tier, Pompey have momentum, but will need further quality to kick on. Robertson, familiar with the club and already proven at this level, could be a perfect fit.

If Cardiff sanction a move, Fratton Park may quickly become the most realistic and appealing destination.

Why Sheffield United suits Robertson’s trajectory

Following their heartbreaking play-off final defeat against Sunderland, Sheffield United are looking to take a new direction under ex-Southampton, Reading and Hull boss Ruben Selles.

With the Blades potentially set for a transformative summer involving a younger core at Bramall Lane, Robertson could be a valuable option with fantastic potential.

If they want to shift to a more possession-based identity, the Australian international would be a smart addition. He offers energy, precision, and a growing Championship pedigree.

There’s also the lure of playing in front of big crowds in high-stakes matches, something that would aid his development on a bigger platform.

The Blades will enter next term as one of the potential promotion favourites, offering the 22-year-old an instant shot at promotion to the Premier League.

Why QPR could offer stability and structure

QPR are going into pre-season as one of the Championship's most exciting prospects.

Despite Marti Cifuentes' departure after stabilising the club in mid-table, the R's have secured a fantastic coup in Julien Stephan as their new boss.

The 44-year-old boasts an impressive resume in French football, having led Rennes to a historic Coupe de France triumph in 2019 and their first-ever Champions League campaign.

Stephan also has a fantastic history with young players, having worked with Eduardo Camavinga, Raphinha, Sacha Boey and more before they went on to join elite-level clubs.

With Kwame Poku set to join up with the West London outfit, the R's are going into the season with intent. A midfielder with as much upside as Robertson could add another young cog to an exciting group already featuring Rayan Kolli, the returning Charlie Kelman, and Koki Saito should his loan move become permanent.

Robertson still has three years left on his Cardiff deal, but if the right opportunity arises, a sale could benefit all parties involved.

The coming weeks may well determine where one of the EFL's brightest young midfielders is playing next term.