Jordan Hugill loan could be cut short for West Brom to sign new striker in January – pundit
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Kevin Phillips is open to the idea of West Brom cancelling Jordan Hugill’s loan deal in January and sending the goal-shy striker back to Norwich.
Since joining the Baggies in the summer, the 29-year-old has scored just one goal in 17 appearances and squandered several chances to build on that record.
The Sun on Sunday reported via their print edition at the weekend (5 December, page 59) that Norwich are set to recall Hugill anyway to fill the possible void left if they loan out Adam Idah in January.
When asked by West Brom News if Albion should cut Hugill’s loan short and look at other striker options in January, Phillips said: “That could be something that’s potentially looked at.
“For me, they need a goalscorer. It’s as simple as that.
“I know Karlan Grant’s chipped in with a few goals but it’s one of the biggest things they’re lacking.
“Hugill’s not an out-and-out goalscorer and watching the game [against Nottingham Forest], listening to the commentary and reading about it, they’re saying the same thing – they’re missing that clinical finisher.
“The Baggies create opportunities so they want someone in and around that 18-yard box, the old fox in the box, who can score the scrappy goals and get you something out of nothing.
“If that means that someone has to leave in January to bring that type of player in, then I think it would make sense. It’s really what they’re lacking.
“Defensively, they’re not getting carved open and their defensive record isn’t too bad.
“It’s just they haven’t scored enough goals and they need an out-and-out goalscorer.”
Hugill’s not been the only one to struggle in front of goal for the Albion, who went three matches without a goal before they beat Coventry last weekend.
Up next for Valerian Ismael’s side is a clash against Reading at The Hawthorns on Saturday.
Another struggling home display in front of goal will no doubt further strengthen his need for a new striker in the January window.
In other West Brom news, Phillips has slammed this senior Albion player who’s frustrated him this season.
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