Exclusive: West Brom summer signing tipped to seek loan exit in January by ex-Baggie
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…
Cedric Kipre is likely to seek a loan move away from West Brom in the January transfer window, according to Kevin Phillips.
Albion signed Kipre, 23, for £900,000 from Wigan in September but the French centre-back has failed to make a single appearance in the Premier League and hasn’t made any of Slaven Bilic’s matchday squads since the 3-3 draw with Chelsea two months ago.
Speaking ahead of the win against Sheffield United, Bilic as quoted by the Birmingham Mail as saying that he had held talks with Kipre and reeled off a list of defenders he believes to be above the summer signing in his pecking order.
According to Bilic, Branislav Ivanovic, Dara O’Shea, Semi Ajayi, Kyle Bartley and Lee Peltier are all set to be used ahead of Kipre.
Ex-West Brom striker Phillips believes a temporary exit in January could benefit Kipre but admits that the decision will come down to the Baggies.
“A loan move might suit the player,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“Whether the club will let him go remains to be seen because things can change very quickly in the Premier League with injuries and you need players in your squad.
“I would imagine they’ll assess that situation when January comes – where they are in the league and whether there’s any point investing in another defender.
“But I would imagine the player himself would be looking to try and go play some football somewhere because he’ll be very disappointed he’s not making the matchday squads.”
West Brom fans have been a bit puzzled by Kipre’s role at The Hawthorns since his arrival from Wigan in September.
The ex-Motherwell defender impressed at the DW Stadium despite the Latics’ relegation but he hasn’t even been handed a chance to show his worth in the Premier League despite West Brom’s defensive record being the worst in the top-flight [FBRef].
Did Bilic want him? Was Kipre’s addition pushed through by Luke Dowling? Is he simply nowhere near good enough for the Premier League?
At least only £900,000 was spent on the 23-year-old but when funds were so tight in the summer, you would have expected Albion to only sign players they ultimately needed.
Even Ahmed Hegazi’s exit hasn’t opened up a slot for Kipre in Bilic’s plans.
In other West Brom news, Micah Richards was impressed by this Baggies ace in the 1-0 win over Sheffield United.
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