‘It’s a shame’ – Exclusive: Phillips concerned after update on future of West Brom loan star
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 would be “disappointed” if Filip Krovinovic didn’t sign permanently for West Brom after admitting he could stay put at Benfica.
Albion signed Krovinvovic, 24, on a season-long loan from the Portuguese club last summer but failed to agree a permanent option in the deal.
Krovinovic went on to impress at The Hawthorns as the Baggies won promotion to the Premier League by finishing second in the Championship.
However, since the Croatian midfielder’s loan spell came to an end, Portuguese newspaper Record has ran a story saying that he has opened the door to returning to Benfica after a change in management at Estadio da Luz.
Krovinovic told Vecernji that no negotiations have taken place with the Baggies while admitting that the “situation in Benfica has changed” with Bruno Lage leaving.
Ex-West Brom striker Phillips wouldn’t be happy if Albion miss out on signing the Croatian ace.
“I wouldn’t say it would be a massive blow but I’d be disappointed if I’m a supporter,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“I’d like to see him stay because he gives that different dimension. He’s a ball-player, he’s the sort of player that could settle into the Premier League because technically, he’s very good.
“He’s settled, he knows the area, he knows the club, he knows the players and he knows the manager. You feel like he could make the jump up to the Premier League.
“If that wasn’t to happen then all of a sudden you’ve got to look somewhere else and if you’re bringing someone in fresh, it might take them a while to settle.
“I’d be disappointed if he didn’t sign. It’s a shame you hear the player saying he’s not sure about his future so you would like for him to come out and say: ‘I want to stay at West Brom. I’d love to get something sorted’.”
Krovinovic made 43 appearances in all competitions for West Brom during his loan spell at The Hawthorns, scoring three goals and supplying four assists in the process.
The Telegraph has reported that the Baggies are keen to sign the midfielder on a permanent basis for a fee that could be around £6million.
Krovinovic has recently returned to Croatia after finishing the season with the Baggies and is likely to be considering the next step in his career.
In other West Brom news, Albion are locked in negotiations to sign this Premier League striker.
Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Baggies and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Phillips.