‘He’s prolific at that level’ – Exclusive: Phillips discusses potential Gayle return at West Brom
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 believes that Dwight Gayle could return to West Brom if Newcastle United look to offload the striker at the next available opportunity.
Gayle, 29, scored 24 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions while on loan at The Hawthorns last season as the Baggies missed out on promotion from the Championship.
Since returning to St James’ Park last summer, the ex-Crystal Palace forward has struggled to get goals and game-time under Steve Bruce.
He’s made 13 total appearances, only four of which being Premier League starts, and failed to score a single goal.
Phillips is adamant that plenty of clubs will want to sign Gayle in the next transfer window but still thinks he could be someone the Baggies will eye up.
“Yes, I think so,” Phillips told West Brom News when asked if Gayle could return to The Hawthorns.
“He’s a goalscorer. There’ll be many other teams who, if his future isn’t at Newcastle, will want to secure his services because he is an out-and-out goalscorer.
“He has proven he can score in the Championship. He’s prolific at that level so it wouldn’t surprise me if a club that comes down from the Premier League tries to sign him.”
Saying that Gayle is proven at scoring goals in the Championship is certainly an understatement.
In his whole career, the 29-year-old has scored 59 goals in 100 Championship appearances.
You can guarantee that if you have him in your side in the second-tier, you’re going to be in the race for promotion.
If West Brom do not go up for whatever reason then re-signing Gayle should be a priority.
In other West Brom news, Albion’s turnover plunged by £54million after relegation.