Phillips backs Gibbs to seal ‘Fantastic move’ away from West Brom – Exclusive
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 has backed Kieran Gibbs to complete a “magnificent move” to Inter Miami as the left-back’s West Brom contract winds down.
Gibbs, 31, has struggled to play consistently for the Albion in the Premier League this season and with his deal due to expire in the summer, it is seeming more and more likely that the ex-Arsenal defender will move on from the club.
According to ESPN, Inter Miami, New York Red Bulls and DC United are all interested in taking Gibbs to the MLS at the end of the Premier League season while The Athletic’s David Ornstein has reported that David Beckham’s Miami wanted the left-back in January.
Ex-Baggies striker Phillips believes it would make sense for all parties for Gibbs to move on at the end of his Hawthorns contracts and claims that joining a team like Inter Miami would be ideal.
“It will be a fantastic move for Gibbs. In terms of lifestyle and getting some sun on your back, at his stage of his career, would be a magnificent move,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“I would say it’s a good move for West Brom too. Gibbs has been a fantastic player but when I look at his last two of three performances, he’s looked like it’s maybe time to move on. Maybe the Premier League is that one step too much now.
“I think he would go out there [to Miami] and be a success. The football isn’t of the quality it is here so it would be a fantastic move.”
Gibbs has made 100 appearances in all competitions since joining West Brom from Arsenal in 2017 but in the last season and a half he’s struggled with fitness issues and a drop in form.
After spending so much time on the sidelines last season, Conor Townsend emerged as West Brom’s first-choice left-back. However, when this campaign started, Gibbs took back the starting spot in the side but soon lost it after his petulant red card at Everton.
Gibbs is one of many Albion players who simply haven’t cut it in the Premier League this season and seeing as he’s likely to be a high-earner, releasing him in the summer would make a lot of sense.
Wherever he ends up next, we wish him well. But a move to Inter Miami would definitely be interesting.
In other West Brom news, Gary Neville was disappointed by this player’s display against Manchester United on Sunday.
Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Baggies and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Phillips.