West Brom in hunt to sign exit-bound Brentford ace Emiliano Marcondes
New West Brom manager Valerien Ismael wants to sign Emiliano Marcondes with the Dane’s contract at Brentford expiring tonight (Wednesday), according to The Express.
The newspaper reports that Barnsley were interested in signing Marcondes when Ismael was there but now he’s swapped Oakwell for The Hawthorns, he’s intent on taking the soon-to-be free agent to the Black Country.
Much-needed midfield depth
Marcondes didn’t exactly set it alight at Griffin Park last season.
He played 40 times in all competitions for Brentford as they won promotion from the Championship but started just 14 league fixtures, including two in the play-offs.
In what was his final match for the Bees, the 26-year-old attacking midfielder scored in the play-off final win over Swansea at Wembley.
He also scored against West Brom at The Hawthorns in the Carabao Cup last season.
Marcondes is someone who has plenty of people aware of his talents and while he might not be someone who’d come straight into West Brom’s starting line-up, he’s someone who could add some good strength in depth.
He knows the Championship having made 81 appearances in the second-tier for Brentford. He also plays in a central or attacking midfield role, an area of the pitch where Albion are very short in numbers.
Marcondes won’t be a signing who would get fans off their feet but as a free transfer, he’d be a clever addition to a squad that needs plenty of additions in time for next season.
In other West Brom news, FIFA has responded to an allegation that the Baggies considered an illicit transfer involving Pereira in January.
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.