Exclusive: Kevin Phillips reacts to major West Brom transfer update by Fabrizio Romano
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 wants to see West Brom sign players who can make an instant impact at The Hawthorns but has reservations about incoming midfielder Okay Yokuslu.
On Friday, Sky Sports Italy journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that West Brom have reached an agreement to sign Yokuslu, 26, on loan from Celta Vigo with the deal not including any option or obligation for it to be made permanent.
It is understood the Albion have also agreed personal terms with the Turkey international, who looks set to arrive at The Hawthorns before Monday’s transfer deadline pending his medical and work permit.
Phillips believe it’s clear that Sam Allardyce is trying to strengthen the spine of the Baggies team but is concerned that Yokuslu is not someone he’s heard of and also hasn’t played in the Premier League.
“At the end of the day, you’ve got to try something,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“It’s always a worry when it’s someone you’ve hardly heard of and got no experience of the Premier League. It’s a gamble and it either pays off or it doesn’t.
“You’re not buying a player for the future. I think Sam’s already eluded to that he’s bringing in players to affect the team now.
“You’ve got to try something and Sam will do that, he’s experienced enough to do that.
“It looks like he’s looking at the spine of the team other than the goalkeeper. A central midfielder, a holding midfielder, a striker. We all know that he’s after those and I’m sure he’s looking at another defender as well but it’s difficult because a lot of teams are looking in those areas.
“Another body would help for the competition but he has to come in and affect the team right now and it’s always a gamble when he’s bringing in someone who’s never played in the league.”
Yokuslu has been on the fringes of the Celta Vigo starting line-up this season with the former Trabzonspor ace earning just three starts in La Liga.
He’s made 14 appearances across all competitions for the Spanish club, who sit 10th in the standings.
Albion have looked very weak in the midfield at times this season and the recent 5-0 hammering at the hands of Manchester City showcased that for everyone to see at The Hawthorns.
Hopefully, a big, powerful midfielder like Yokuslu could ad some grit and steel to the midfield but it seems unlikely he’ll arrive in England in time to play against Fulham later today (Saturday).
In other West Brom news, Albion have made an approach for a player who almost joined Wolves in the summer.
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