‘It doesn’t bode well’ – Exclusive: Pundit makes claim about Bilic contract situation at WBA
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 does not think Slaven Bilic’s contract is not the main concern at West Brom at the moment despite his current deal expiring next year.
In August, The Athletic journalist Steve Madeley reported that Bilic has not yet been offered a fresh deal by the Baggies as in the summer, his top priority was signing new players.
Bilic has aired frustrations with West Brom chiefs on a couple of instances since winning promotion by complaining about the club’s restricted transfer policy and revealing that Ahmed Hegazi was sold behind his back to Al-Ittihad last week.
Despite making his grievances public, Phillips believes Bilic’s focus won’t be on his own future at The Hawthorns right now and instead will be eyeing nothing more than the club’s next match.
“I can’t say I know the ins and outs of their transfer policy but I would like to think Bilic would have a major say in it,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“He just strikes me as a guy he won’t put up with any nonsense. You can see that in the way he acts on the touchline. He’s very passionate.
“If that’s the case (Hegazi being sold behind his back), then it doesn’t bode well moving forward but I think Bilic will deal with it.
“Is his contract a big issue at the moment? No. I think the big issue is trying to keep West Brom in the Premier League and Bilic is professional enough to know that’s the case.
“His contract will take care of itself. If he keeps them in the Premier League, he’ll sign a new deal. If he doesn’t, with football being football, he can easily move on.
“Things can happen very quickly but I think at the moment his contract is not the biggest issue. It’s about winning football matches for West Brom.”
Phillips is right about Bilic’s focus.
Although the Baggies manager has aired his discontent over Hegazi’s exit, you can bet that he’ll be working super hard behind the scenes to help Albion win their first Premier League match of the season.
Bilic’s contract situation might be in the back of his mind but it’s not as though it’s going to affect anything in the near future.
In other West Brom news, Phillips claims that the pressure is on this Baggies player.
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