‘Bonus’ – Exclusive: Super Kev excited as player reportedly arrives at West Brom training HQ
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 excited by reports that ex-Leicester striker Ahmed Musa has arrived at the West Brom training ground ahead of potentially signing a deal at The Hawthorns.
Telegraph journalist John Percy has reported the 28-year-old free agent is training with the Baggies and could win a deal until the end of the season.
Musa was on the books at Leicester between 2016 and 2018 but struggling for regular game-time as he competed with Jamie Vardy for a spot in the Foxes’ side.
The ex-CSKA Moscow forward scored just two goals in 21 Premier League appearances in the East Midlands but Phillips believes that bit of experience in England’s top-flight could make the Nigeria international a good signing for Sam Allardyce.
“For me, that’s a risk worth taking,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“It’s not going to cost you a fortune, it’s someone who’s played in the Premier League and we saw at Leicester he’s got pace so he might bring you something different.
“It doesn’t smell like a no-brainer because obviously, he needs to perform while training there and catch the eye of Sam.
“But another body, someone who’s got pace like that and a bit different could be an option.
“Let’s hope he trains well and if he gets a contract from now until the end of the season, let’s see if he can make an impact.
“That Premier League experience he’s got could be a bonus to Sam.
“Musa’s got some qualities and we’ve seen that over the years when he was at Leicester. I think it was just a consistency thing with him so maybe if he gets fit, he can start challenging for a place in that side if Sam opts to sign him.”
Musa left Leicester in 2018 to join Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.
During his spell in the Middle East, Musa scored 11 goals and supplied 14 assists in 57 appearances across all competitions but was mainly played as a left-winger rather than a centre-forward.
It concerns us that he’s been without a club since October after being released by a team in Saudi Arabia and it’s also concerning that Allardyce wants a striker but stats by transfermarkt suggest the Nigerian has most recently been played as a winger.
Musa does have plenty of pace and, as Super Kev says, could add something different to the West Brom attack. Plus, as he’s a free agent, there’s little risk in the deal.
But it’s a sad state of affairs when the Albion are so strapped for funds they’re looking at loaning players from Turkey and signing free agents who’ve been released by clubs in Saudi Arabia.
In other West Brom news, Joleon Lescott wants this player to return to Albion’s starting line-up against Fulham.
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