‘Lucky to get £6-8m’ – Exclusive: Pundit urges West Brom to ‘Take a hit’ on forgotten player
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 the time is right for Oliver Burke to move on from West Brom this summer – but admits he’d forgotten the Scottish forward was still on the books at The Hawthorns.
Burke, 23, spent last season out on loan at La Liga club Alaves, where he made 32 appearances in all competitions and scored one goal, which came against Eibar in February.
According to a report by the Telegraph earlier this month, West Brom are willing to sell Burke this summer, three years after signing him from RB Leipzig for £15million.
Phillips cannot see the club recouping anywhere near what they paid for the Scotland international.
“They certainly won’t get their money back,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“It’s amazing – I’d completely forgotten he was at the football club.
“It’s been a tough time and I think it’s time that he moves on but they’d be lucky to get £6-8million for him. I don’t see them getting anywhere near the £15million they paid.
“I think they’d take anything at the moment. Take the hit and then use that money to go and strengthen elsewhere.”
Since speaking to Phillips about Burke, it has been reported by Sky Sports that the Baggies are in “advanced talks” with Sheffield United over a swap deal for the 23-year-old attacker and Callum Robinson.
It remains to be seen if there is any money involved in the deal or if it is going to be a straight swap for two players.
Either way, after how poorly Burke’s done at The Hawthorns and how well Robinson did in his half-season loan there, the deal is likely to be weighted in the favour of the Black Country club rather than the Yorkshire club.
In other West Brom news, the Baggies have been tipped to boost the transfer budget.
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