Exclusive: Phillips wants West Brom to upgrade ‘Fantastic’ player who started on Saturday
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 has tipped West Brom to sign “a younger version of Kieran Gibbs” ahead of next season after the club was linked with Wigan left-back Antonee Robinson.
The Express & Star reported last week that Albion are among the front-runners to sign the 22-year-old USA international, who came close to joining AC Milan for £10million in the January transfer window.
Phillips would like to see the Baggies strengthen their left-back options in the next transfer window due to the injury issues that Gibbs has had this season.
“I’ve said all along they’ll probably look for a number one left–back,” Phillips told West Brom News. “Kieran Gibbs has suffered from injuries this year but maybe this lay-off will have done him the world of good to get over his problems and get back to full fitness.
“You’d want some back-up and maybe they’re looking for a younger version of Kieran Gibbs that can step into the fray.
“If West Brom go up, Gibbs certainly does have that experience in the Premier League and he’s been a fantastic player.”
Gibbs, 30, returned to Slaven Bilic’s starting line-up against Birmingham on Saturday and has played just 11 times in the Championship this season due to numerous injury problems – but Wigan’s Robinson has also had issues of his own.
The former Everton defender saw a dream move to the San Siro collapse in January due to a heart issue.
He has since undergone surgery and Phillips has moved to allay any concerns that fans might have about the full-back’s heart.
Phillips added: “Medical staff these days are very rigorous in terms of all the tests they’ll get done. Every test will be done to ensure the player is fit and healthy.”
Robinson has returned to training for Wigan so he should be fully up to speed and ready to play again once next season starts.
West Brom definitely need to add to their left-back options with Nathan Ferguson’s exit being confirmed on Tuesday, Conor Townsend’s lack of Premier League experience and Gibbs’ injury problems.
Robinson has impressed a lot at Wigan and if Albion can land him ahead of next season, it should work out to be a good signing as long as no more red flags are raised at his medical.
In other West Brom news, Don Goodman has been raving about Albion’s “unsung hero”.
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