Guochuan Lai could return to The Hawthorns soon amid ‘private’ West Brom discussions
Guochuan Lai could fly back to West Brom around Easter with “private discussions” held about his Hawthorns return, as reported by The Atheltic journalist Elias Burke.
The Baggies’ controlling shareholder remains detached from the club physically, but Ron Gourlay, the chief executive, has kept him updated about the fans’ frustration over various issues.
In an interview with The Athletic, Gourlay has made it clear that Lai is “totally aware of the fans’ views”, and adds that he is confident that the money will come back to the club.
Issues
Gourlay has suggested that the club’s current worth is much lower, which means Lai won’t receive a handsome return on his £200m investment.
At the moment, there has been no official approach over club takeover, but at the boardroom level, the club are definitely considering an outside investment.
Lai has taken money out of the club and he keeps on delaying his repayment which is discouraging. The club needs to bolster various areas in the transfer market, but Gourlay can’t force the owner to do anything.
Gourlay has admitted that he has asked Lai for repayment almost on a daily basis, but the money hasn’t arrived yet.
The club took a £20m MSD loan [28 December] and fans were left frustrated for poor administration. The Baggies took a four-year loan against all of their assets to operate on a daily basis so that the club can run smoothly even if they don’t get promoted.
However, the final answer lies with Lai. He needs to return the money first, needs to pay a visit to the Hawthorns, needs to speak with the fans, and above all, needs to sell the club at the earliest opportunity.
In other West Brom news, Albion are trying to sign this Brighton player on loan.