Exclusive: Phillips stunned by reported £9m price-tag of West Brom loan star
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips is blown away by how cheap West Brom may be able to sign Filip Krovinovic on a permanent deal in the summer.
According to Portuguese news outlet A Bola, Albion intend to buy the 24-year-old playmaker from Benfica once his loan deal at The Hawthorns expires.
It is understood that Benfica would be willing to listen to offers for him and would consider a sale for around £9million.
Krovinovic was not a very important player for Slaven Bilic earlier in the season but since the start of 2020 he has started all but two of the Baggies’ Championship fixtures.
In that time the Croatian midfielder has impressed fans and pundits with his performances, including ex-Baggies forward Phillips.
When asked if that would be a good deal for Albion, Phillips told West Brom News: “Yes, definitely, he looks like he enjoys playing his football at West Brom.
“If they were to go up, he’s shown that he’s technically a very good player. He’s good on the ball and he’s got a good range of passing.
“Only time will tell if it’s good business but when you’re talking about those sorts of figures. £9million. Blimey. We’ve seen players go from Championship club to Championship club for £15-20million.
“If West Brom were eventually to get promoted and sign a £9million player that could turn out to be a coup really. £9million, nowadays, is nothing really.”
Krovinovic has made 34 appearances in all competitions since joining West Brom on loan from Benfica in the summer, scoring two goals and supplying four assists in the process.
The ex-NK Zagreb midfielder’s best performances have come in the last couple of months when Slaven Bilic has changed his system from 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3 with Krovinovic playing on the left-hand side of the middle-three.
It remains to be seen how good he would perform in the Premier League if West Brom got there but based on what we’ve seen in recent weeks, for £9million, he’s worth the risk.
In other West Brom news, Matheus Pereira would love to play in the Premier League with the Baggies.