Exclusive: Kevin Phillips delivers instant verdict as West Brom secure last-ditch signing
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 is hoping that Karlan Grant can hit the ground running at West Brom after the 23-year-old’s arrival at The Hawthorns was confirmed.
Albion announced via their official Twitter account on Thursday night that Grant has joined the Baggies from Huddersfield on a six-year deal.
Telegraph journalist John Percy has reported that the Baggies are paying £15million for the former Charlton striker, with that fee paid out over the length of his contract.
Slaven Bilic and Luke Dowling have found it tough to strengthen the squad since winning promotion to the Premier League to the tight transfer budget they’ve had at their disposal.
Phillips has hailed Albion for striking the deal they have for Grant and hopes that he’s able to get the goals to keep the Baggies in the top-flight this season.
“Joshua King would have been my preferred option but that wasn’t going to happen. The second option was Karlan Grant,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“For Slaven Bilic and every West Brom fan, the priority was getting a striker through the door to compete with the ones that are already there.
“I think he’ll be delighted to get that one over the line. They know they’ll have a proven striker through the door.
“Now it’s just down to whether he can hit the ground running and start scoring goals to get West Brom to climb up the league.
“It’s a big ask but at least they’ve got someone in who knows that position and by the sounds of it, the finances are sensible.
“Hopefully he’s eligible to play against Burnley on Monday. It’s good news for everyone concerned.”
West Brom play Burnely at The Hawthorns on Monday and with Hal Robson-Kanu injured and Callum Robinson in self-isolation, there’s a chance Bilic will consider Grant to start versus Sean Dyche’s side.
However, Grant hasn’t played this season due to the speculation surrounding his future so it remains to be seen whether or not he’s fully match-fit.
In other West Brom news, this Baggies star is open to a move to MLS in January.
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