‘Understand the anxiety’ – Exclusive: Phillips delivers WBA transfer verdict, touts new arrivals
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 has admitted that he can “understand the anxiety” surrounding West Brom’s lack of transfer activity so far this summer.
Speaking exclusively to West Brom News, the former Albion hitman suggested that the Baggies’ limited funds could leave them in a difficult position over the coming weeks as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new Premier League season kicking off in mid-September.
As things stand, Albion’s only senior signing has been the permanent arrival of Matheus Pereira from Sporting Lisbon.
But Phillips remains optimistic that more business can be wrapped up before the Baggies start their top flight journey against Leicester City.
Speaking to West Brom News, he said: “I can understand the anxiety from the supporters.
“Obviously, Pereira signed permanently, which is a boost. Bilic has come out and said he supposedly might only have £25 million to spend. It’s not easy. If that’s true then you’ve got to wheel and deal. You can’t go blowing all that money on one transfer and leaving yourself short. That adds its own problems if you want to get three or four players in within that budget.
“I definitely imagine there’ll be one, maybe two, players who come in by the start of the season, but whether he can get those four players in by the time the season kicks off – that could be an issue.
“Transfers can go right to the wire. It’s a little bit concerning, but I would probably think one, if not two, in the door soon.”
It is understood that Bilic will have a war chest of around £20-30 million to spend on players this summer.
In recent days, the Baggies have been linked with a potential move for Watford captain Troy Deeney as they look to bolster their attacking options.
In other West Brom news, Albion are in talks over another forward’s potential exit.
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