Kevin Phillips predicts Norwich to recall Jordan Hugill from West Brom loan in January
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 expects Norwich City to recall striker Jordan Hugill from his loan spell at West Brom in January.
Hugill, 29, has scored just one goal in 18 Championship appearances since joining the Albion on a season-long deal in the summer.
While most of Hugill’s appearances have been as a substitute, there’s a large sense of frustration among the fanbase over his performances and inability to score goals.
The Sun on Sunday reported last week in their print edition (5 December, page 59) that Norwich are set to recall Hugill in January and Phillips sees that as a good opportunity for the Baggies to sign someone else or promote Reyes Cleary from the Under-23s.
“I think we’ll all agree it probably hasn’t quite worked out,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“When Hugill first signed, I said this lad is decent and if he can get a run of games, he can be a right handful.
“But he just hasn’t shown that consistency or taken the chance when he’s had it.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he went back to Norwich in January and it freed up a loan spot or an opportunity for Reyes Cleary in the Under-23s to come in.”
Cleary, 17, was on the bench for the first time on Saturday as Valerien Ismael’s men beat Reading 1-0 at The Hawthorns.
Despite him being in such good goalscoring form for the Under-23s and Under-18s this season, Ismael opted to play Hugill for the entire 90 minutes up front against the Royals.
In other West Brom news, Phillips wants Albion to sign this available Arsenal player in January.
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