Exclusive: West Brom urged to sell ‘Fantastic player’ to fund new striker swoop
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 left-back Kieran Gibbs would struggle in the Premier League if he is not sold by the club this summer.
The Telegraph has reported that Gibbs, 30, is on a list of players who the Baggies are willing to sell ahead of next season as Slaven Bilic aims to trim down the size of his squad.
It is understood that since winning promotion back to the Premier League, Gibbs’ wages doubled to £55,000-a-week.
Although the former Arsenal left-back is one of the most experienced players in terms of Premier League appearances in the West Brom squad, he has suffered with major injury issues in the last year.
Last season, Gibbs played just 14 times in the Championship for the Baggies and although Phillips recognises the left-back’s impressive career, he cannot see him being a part of Bilic’s plans in the top-flight.
“You have to look at what the player can bring. Kieran’s been a fantastic player over the years but the question will be asked: ‘Can he cut it in the Premier League?’,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“I think it might be a bit of a struggle for him. Would be play week in, week out?
“If Slaven can get another player off the wage bill then that frees up a bit of money to go and buy a striker.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if Kieran moved on.”
In other West Brom news, Albion are in talks to sign this player on a loan-to-buy basis.
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