‘Huge boost’ – Exclusive: Phillips raves about potential ‘Smart’ West Brom loan-to-buy deal
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 it will be a “huge boost” for West Brom to re-sign Filip Krovinovic, whether it is on loan or on a permanent basis.
According to the Express & Star, Albion have been in talks with Benfica about re-signing the 24-year-old midfielder on a loan-to-buy deal.
Portuguese newspaper Record had reported that Benfica rejected the possibility of another straight loan move to The Hawthorns as it seems the Lisbon club wants to offload the Croatian central midfielder permanently.
With a loan-to-buy deal, that would likely happen next summer and Phillips believes it’s a deal that could go through as he claims Krovinovic would be keen on playing in the Premier League with the Baggies next season.
“Yes, that’s a smart deal,” Phillips told West Brom News. “Any deal to keep him at the club is a sensible one and a good deal for the club.
“As I’ve said all along, he knows the club and he looks like he really enjoys it. I’m sure he’ll want to play in the Premier League with them.
“Whether it’s a loan or a permanent, for Slaven Bilic to be able to get his services, I think it will be a huge boost for him.”
Krovinovic played a key role in helping West Brom win promotion to the Premier League last season as he made 43 appearances in all competitions, scored three goals and supplied four assists.
As quoted by the Express & Star in April, Bilic called Krovinovic an “important player” for his side and pretty much admitted his interest in re-signing his fellow Croatian.
We do hope a deal can be agreed with Benfica soon.
Based on an update by A Bola, Krovinovic is not in the plans of new manager Jorge Jesus, so all the signs are suggesting that the player will return to The Hawthorns this summer.
In other West Brom news, Albion want to sign this Brazilian defender.
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