View: Seven-figure transfer update could set concerning precedent for West Brom summer business

West Brom look as if they could be nearing a deal that would see academy product Jonathan Leko leave the club. 

According to John Percy of the Telegraph, local rivals Birmingham City have agreed a fee of around £1 million for the player ahead of a summer switch to St. Andrews.

Many Albion supporters have been left fuming by the news too.

west brom

While some are happy to sell, others are disappointed to not see the player handed more of a chance with his boyhood club before a judgment is made on his long term future.

Regardless of whether supporters want him to stay or not, however, a common complaint is that £1 million is simply not enough for a young player of his potential.

And you can certainly understand that point of view.

The truth is that Leko probably isn’t at a level where he could consistently challenge for a first team spot with the Baggies in the Premier League.

But this is a 21-year-old who registered five goals and four assists in 21 league outings for a struggling Charlton Athletic side last season.

He also had a higher shot accuracy and pass completion rate than Grady Diangana last season, as per Wyscout.

Were it not for a cruciate ligament injury, who knows what kind of season he might have ended up having.

With that in mind, £1 million feels incredibly low.

Sure, there is merit to selling players to raise funds for reinvestment this summer, but when the prices are so minimal, it barely feels as if it is worth the effort for Albion.

The biggest concern here isn’t Leko leaving – although that in itself is a shame – but rather how easily and cheaply the Baggies are willing to let him go.

Let’s just hope this doesn’t set a precedent for the rest of the summer.

In other West Brom news, fans are happy with an update which says a player could be leaving the club in a potential swap deal.

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.