Kevin Phillips: Time is right for Kieran Gibbs to quit West Brom
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…
Now is the right time for Kieran Gibbs to walk away from West Brom amid reports he’s agreed to join Inter Miami, according to Kevin Phillips.
Earlier this week, ESPN reported that the 31-year-old left-back has verbally agreed to join David Beckham’s MLS outfit on a free transfer in the summer when his contract at The Hawthorns expires.
Gibbs is reportedly expected to sign a two-and-a-half-year contract with Miami after interest from New York Red Bulls and DC United failed to amount to anything serious.
ESPN claims Gibbs is West Brom’s highest earner with the ex-Arsenal full-back earning a whopping £70,000-a-week.
With him struggling to play for the Baggies this season in the Premier League, Phillips can understand why it’s time for him to move on but has refused to talk down the left-back’s contribution at The Hawthorns.
Speaking to West Brom News, he said: “What an incredible chance for Kieran to go and play for a club out in Miami under David Beckham,”
“He’s been a good professional for West Brom, when called upon he very rarely lets you down but in his last performances, you could tell it was time for him to move on. Maybe the rigorous of the Premier League were a bit too much.
“He’s been a magnificent player, don’t get me wrong. But I think the timing is right for both parties and we wish him all the best because he’s been a fabulous servant to the Premier League.”
Gibbs has made 100 appearances for West Brom since he joined from Arsenal in the summer of 2017.
However, he’s played in just 10 of the Albion’s 28 Premier League fixtures this season and due to injury issues, played just 14 times in the Championship last term.
Gibbs’ injury issues and poor form has led to Conor Townsend cementing his spot as West Brom’s first-choice left-back.
Townsend’s signed a new contract at West Brom so he’ll back at the Black Country next season but whoever is in charge might need to land a new back-up option for him.
In other West Brom news, Albion have agreed a deal with this young midfielder.
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