Kevin Phillips tips West Brom to sign Daryl Dike after Valerien Ismael arrival
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 tipped Valerien Ismael to look into signing USA centre-forward Daryl Dike now he’s in charge at West Brom.
Dike, 21, joined Barnsley on loan from MLS club Orlando City in the winter and went on a stunning run of form in front of goal that powered Ismael’s side to the Championship play-offs.
The Oklahoma-born striker, who’s been capped three times by the USA, scored nine goals in his 21 Championship appearances at Barnsley.
However, the Yorkshire club has since been unable to sign Dike on a permanent basis with TeamTalk reporting that they had to pay £18million to buy him from Orlando.
TeamTalk also reported in May that Albion are considering a move to sign Dike – before Ismael became a serious candidate to replace Sam Allardyce as manager at The Hawthorns.
Phillips admits he would not be shocked if Ismael went in to sign his former striker this summer to help aid West Brom’s bid to win promotion straight back to the Premier League.
When asked if he thinks Ismael will look at signing Dike, Phillips told West Brom News: “I think he will.
“Managers naturally go back to their old club to try and pick a couple of players out that have been good for them and been Steady Eddies.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if Ismael looks back at Barnsley.
“It’s an area where West Brom definitely need to sign someone to put that ball in the back of the net.
“Dike could be an option – I’m pretty sure he’ll look at that.”
According to number-crunchers SmaterScout, Dike is too good for the Championship.
The American is described as “supremely aggressive defender for a striker” who is well-suited to a high press and high-risk style of play.
As quoted by the Yorkshire Post, Ismael has previously called Dike “very strong” and that his quality on the ball is “something special”.
In other West Brom news, this Albion youngster has been spotted signing a deal with Chelsea.
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