Exclusive: Phillips thrilled by ‘Exciting’ attacker who may be worth the risk for WBA & Leeds
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 although Bright Osayi-Samuel lacks Premier League experience, he could be someone who’d be worth the gamble for West Brom and Leeds United.
Not only are West Brom and Leeds going head-to-head in the race to win the Championship title this season but they might also lock horns in the transfer market after Osayi-Samuel, 22, was linked with moves to both of the promotion-chasing clubs.
The Express & Star have reported that the Nigerian winger features in Albion’s transfer plans while according to Football Insider, Leeds have been making “regular checks” on the former Blackpool player.
Osayi-Samuel has impressed at Loftus Road this season, scoring six goals and supplying eight assists in 32 appearances across all competitions.
Although Phillips is aware that Osayi-Samuel has never played above Championship level, his age and ability is something that West Brom and Leeds might be willing to roll the dice on if they can strike a good deal with QPR.
“It’s one of those where you might take a slight gamble because if both of these teams go up, the kid hasn’t got any Premier League experience,” Phillips told West Brom News “He’s had a good season at QPR, it’s a big jump.
“But he’s young, he’s exciting and if you can get him at the right price, sometimes it’s worth taking that gamble.
“QPR have got another player in Eberchi Eze, he’s been touted around as well and there are a lot of clubs looking at him.
“They’re the types of players on our doorstep who, although they haven’t got Premier League experience, they have got experience of playing in this country and that could be a big bonus.”
QPR have had a few good young players in recent years and Osayi-Samuel is one of them.
He is predominantly a right-sided winger but he can also play on the left-hand side of the attack.
Once the season ends, Slaven Bilic is likely to lose Grady Diangana and Callum Robinson when their loan deals expire and that will leave a void of talent on the left-wing at The Hawthorns.
Osayi-Samuel could be someone who fills that void for the Baggies.
In other West Brom news, Albion have ramped up their pursuit of this £17.9million-rated international.
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