‘That would be a huge coup’ – Exclusive: Phillips blown away by West Brom striker link
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 would be a “huge coup” for West Brom if they manage to sign free agent Mario Mandzukic after the ex-Juventus striker was linked with a shock move to The Hawthorns.
According to the Sunday People newspaper on September 13, Albion have held talks about signing the 34-year-old Croatian forward but are finding it tough to strike a deal due to his wage demands.
Mandzukic is available on a free transfer after being released by Qatari side Al Duhai at the end of last season.
His career has seen him score goals for fun at the likes of Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Wolfsburg and the Croatian national team.
Although a deal seems unlikely due to Mandzukic’s excessive wage demands, Phillips is excited by the fact that he’s simply been linked with The Hawthorns.
“He would certainly bring experience and he’s got qualities – if you give him the right supply, he’ll score you goals,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“If you make a signing of that quality, it can only enhance your squad.
“I keep saying it: West Brom need a player in that area. If they can get that one over the line then Christ, that would be a huge coup for West Brom.”
Mandzukic may be 34-years-old but he would easily be the best striker in the West Brom squad.
In the last two Premier League matches, Albion have lost 3-0 and 5-2 with their only two goals coming from Grady Diangana and Matheus Pereira.
Callum Robinson has started both of those matches up front but he spent almost all of his time as a winger for the Baggies in the Championship last season.
It’s a massive, massive issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible because going into the third or even fourth match of the Premier League campaign without a good enough striker in the squad is criminal mismanagement from the top.
Mandzukic would be an unbelievable signing but we really doubt it will happen.
In other West Brom news, Gary Lineker was wowed by this one Baggies player despite the defeat to Everton.
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