Kevin Phillips: Joe Worrall can be top signing for West Brom in summer
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…
Nottingham Forest centre-back Joe Worrall would be a strong addition to the West Brom defence in the Championship, according to Kevin Phillips.
Earlier this month, The Sun reported that Albion technical director Luke Dowling had watched over Worrall, 24, as he played for Forest in their Championship win against Wycombe Wanderers.
It was claimed that the Baggies want to sign Worrall whichever division they find themselves playing in next season with Sam Allardyce’s team looking increasingly likely to get relegated from the Premier League with each passing week.
Ex-Hawthorns favourite Phillips claims that Worrall will be a clever addition for West Brom if they are relegated but seems to have some reservations about signing him if they stay up.
When asked if Worrall would be a good signing, Phillips told West Brom News: “For the Championship, certainly.
“It would be a big ask for him to jump to the Premier League and perform but in the Championship, I’ve watched him a fair bit over the years and he’s a good player.
“It just depends on whether you play him if you bring him in. It could mean there’ll be a reshuffle of the pack in the summer. Players will be leaving.
“But in the Championship, I think he would be a good signing. He’s a proven Championship player and technically very good.
“I think it will be one of those signings that turn out like Matty Cash did at Villa. I’m not saying he’d perform at that level but obviously, I think he’s a good player.”
Worrall has made 115 Championship appearances in his career, as well as 21 outings in the Scottish Premiership and four in the Europa League from a loan spell at Rangers in 2018/19.
Albion’s defence has been a bit of a laughing stock this season in the Premier League with the Black Country club conceding way more goals than any other team in the top-flight.
Semi Ajayi looked good in the Championship but hasn’t quite taken to the Premier League while Kyle Bartley has arguably been the most consistent centre-back under Sam Allardyce.
However, Bartley’s deal expires in the summer, as does Branislav Ivanovic’s. Dara O’Shea and Ajayi could be left as West Brom’s only centre-backs unless extensions are offered out so signing a new centre-back or two will definitely be on the cards.
As Phillips pointed out, Worrall is “proven” in the second-tier and he might be a great addition to the defence at The Hawthorns.
In other West Brom news, Gary Neville was disappointed by this player’s display against Manchester United on Sunday.
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