Carlos Corberan in contact with Cedric Kipre, West Brom future still undecided
Carlos Corberan has been impressed with Cedric Kipre after the West Brom loanee’s performances for Cardiff City, according to the Express and Star.
The 26-year-old has been impressive for the South Wales side after being loaned out by Steve Bruce in the summer of 2022.
It’s understood Corberan is in regular contact with fellow loanees Alex Mowatt and Caleb Taylor along with Kipre ahead of the summer once they return.
The Express and Star claim the Ivory Coast international has “caught the eye” of the Spaniard, and Corberan has admitted Kipre has been an important part of Sabri Lamouchi’s plans.
“I understand why West Bromwich moved him to the club because he’s one solid player who is comfortable when he is close to his box to defend,” said the West Brom boss (Express and Star, 18 March).
“And at the same time, he is one player who is very comfortable with the ball. After that I was not at the club to make the decision, to decide to send him on loan, and he is a player who I think has missed only two games this season with Cardiff, so he has been a very important player for them.”
A chance
Kipre was unable to feature for Cardiff against the Baggies due to the terms of his loan agreement. Corberan seems to be a fan of the defender and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he was involved come to the start of the 2023/24 season.
He’s been a consistent Championship performer for a number of years and was perhaps unfairly snubbed from Bruce’s plans. Albion have a number of ageing players in the centre of defence, which could mean competition is required.
Furthermore, considering the financial wranglings which currently engulf The Hawthorns, looking to reintroduce a loan player could well be a smart move from Corberan. Utilising Kipre next season could allow for the Spaniard’s already limited transfer budget to be dished out elsewhere.
Despite the 26-year-old currently playing for a second-tier rival, this season seems to have been a positive for him on a personal level. He’s back to playing regularly and getting somewhere near his top form.
One to watch come to the end of the season.
In other West Brom news, finance expert Martin Calladine has reacted to reports stating Chinese owner Guochuan Lai has secured a new £20million loan.