Andrew Maddox

Tue 5 July 2022 8:10, UK

West Brom manager Steve Bruce has revealed that the club will not be making a move for Okay Yokuslu in an interview with the Express and Star.

Yokuslu joined West Brom on loan from Celta Vigo in January 2021 and impressed in difficult circumstances, leading to talk of a return back in January.

Speaking after West Brom’s friendly victory over Leyton Orient, Bruce was asked by the Express & Star about a move for the Turkish star but seemed to dismiss the prospect.

“He was a very good player, he didn’t play a lot last year – if I’m being brutally honest I think that ship might have sailed”, Bruce said.

Yokuslu was released by Celta Vigo last week after an underwhelming loan spell with Getafe, which saw him start just five times as they narrowly avoided relegation.

Bruce is wise to steer clear

While Yokuslu was a massive hit in his first stint at Albion, the club are right to avoid returning for him.

It has been a difficult year for the Turkish midfielder, who played just 605 minutes of football all season (FBRef).

While Bruce wants another midfielder after John Swift’s signing earlier this summer, there are definitely better options out there.

A move for Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury, who Bruce is a known admirer of, seems to have gone quiet.

Bruce told the Birmingham Mail back in June that he wanted “three or four” new signings before the start of the season, but rumours have been few and far between lately.

In that interview, Bruce said Albion would have to be patient to secure loans while also looking at free transfers where possible.

While Albion fans may have to wait for new recruits, it is better to do that than to rush into a transfer that will likely backfire, just like a move for Yokuslu.

In other West Brom news, Zak Delaney could be heading for a permanent move away from the club to Inverness.