View: Collymore solution to debate surrounding reported West Brom target is too flawed to work
Reported West Brom target Lyle Taylor has commanded plenty of headlines over the past week or so.
Charlton Athletic boss Lee Bowyer revealed that the forward was one of three players who have refused to make a return for the Addicks when the Championship season resumes, with much of the subsequent discussion centring around how an injury could impact the 30-year-old’s chances of securing a big money move at the end of his current contract this summer.
The Baggies are one of several clubs who have been touted as potential destinations for the hitman in the coming weeks, as per Sky Sports.
Now Stan Collymore has spoken out on the debate, not only jumping to Taylor’s defence, but also outlining one potential solution to his injury concerns.
Writing in a column for the Mirror, he said: “I have every sympathy for players such as Lyle Taylor at Charlton who are out of contract and are saying they won’t go back to play the remaining games of the season.
“If you only sign a one-month deal and you’re then sidelined for six months you’re up the creek without a paddle.
“The common-sense approach would be for clauses to be inserted in all short-term contracts that are signed to get players through until the end of this season.
“Those clauses should state that, if a player gets injured before this season ends, then their agreement will automatically extend until the transfer window that follows their return to full match fitness.”
Collymore’s solution isn’t just an unorthodox one though, it’s flawed too.
If we take Taylor as an example, even if this clause was implemented and he did pick up an injury, he would still be prevented from making a move this summer.
If part of the reason he is moving is to increase his salary, that is still money that he would be losing out on, even with the safety net of guaranteed income until the next transfer window.
In Taylor’s case specifically, he will be just shy of 31 by the time the January transfer window rolls around as well.
Are clubs going to be willing to take a gamble on a player of that age part way through a season, especially one who has no top flight experience?
If it was West Brom in that scenario, you would certainly be inclined to argue against it.
Collymore means well here – and even if you don’t agree with it, you can see Taylor’s point of view on the matter – but the fact remains that the only surefire way to guarantee he remains injury free and available for a transfer this summer is if he doesn’t play again this season.
In other West Brom news, Kamil Grosicki shares footage of first goal for WBA in 2-2 v Aston Villa
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