Exclusive: Phillips estimates West Brom star as being worth £3m
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 West Brom might struggle to completely recoup what they paid for Charlie Austin if they sell the striker in the summer.
Austin, 30, joined the Baggies from Southampton last year in a deal worth £4million, according to BBC Sport.
The former Burnley and QPR striker has recently suggested that he would be open to leaving The Hawthorns to join either Celtic or Rangers.
Speaking to the Open Goal podcast, Austin said “if the opportunity came up”, he would head north of the border to join one of the Old Firm clubs.
Austin has only started 13 Championship fixtures for West Brom this season and Phillips believes his value could have dropped by £1million in the last year.
“I think it would be around about the same, around £3-4million,” the former Albion and Aston Villa striker told West Brom News. “West Brom are not going to haggle over a few quid, I would imagine.
“Of course, they would like to get their money back but if it’s a case of accepting less and getting him off the wage bill, they may use that money to get someone in on a bigger fee – assuming they go up.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if they got their money back but I think it will probably be £3million.”
Phillips’ estimation is probably right.
Austin will turn 31 in July and also enter the final year of his contract at The Hawthorns so there’s no doubt that his value will depreciate a bit.
Clubs are bound to be interested in the striker because even though he’s not been a regular starter for West Brom this term, he has still scored eight goals in the Championship.
Second-tier clubs and the two Scottish giants should be keen on Austin if the Baggies are willing to let him leave.
In other West Brom news, Martin Tyler has shared what he likes about The Hawthorns.