West Brom miss out as Rotherham land Dexter Lembikisa from Wolves ahead of Coventry City and Stoke City
West Brom have fallen short in another pursuit this summer after Rotherham came out on top in a crowded race to land Dexter Lembikisa on loan, according to TEAMtalk.
The Jamaica international, 19, was subject to extensive interest in England and abroad after knocking on the door to break into the first-team at Molineux.
He has already made four senior appearances for the Premier League club, as well as picking up 10 international caps, but the versatile defender is now set for the Millers on loan.
According to TEAMtalk on Monday night (24 July) Rotherham have not only beaten West Brom to Lembikisa but also fellow English clubs Coventry City, Stoke City, Sheffield Wednesday and QPR.
Grasshoppers Zurich and “a number of foreign sides” were reportedly interested in the teenager as well.
Unfortunate
It is never cause for celebration to be beaten the pursuit of a target during the window, but the fact that so many clubs have ended up disappointed on this occasion is perhaps some small solace for Carlos Corberan.
The Baggies boss has lost Dara O’Shea, Kean Bryan and Zac Ashworth from his defensive options so far this summer, and adding a full-international who is coming off an impressive run to the Gold Cup semi-final with Jamaica would have been a boost.
But as with Ethan Ampadu heading to Leeds United when West Brom were interested in the Chelsea man [90min, 17 July] it will be a matter of moving on quickly.
The squad has been weakened since last season’s narrow play-off miss but the manager has got the benefit of a full preseason and the entire campaign to work with this time around.
That doesn’t make up for the fact that the Albion are having to let players go to compensate for the perilous financial position.
But until the season starts and the performances on the pitch can be judged it is too early to assume a total catastrophe.
Corberan would certainly be boosted by a couple of bargain pick-ups at least however, and minimal further departures before deadline day.
In other West Brom news, another first-team ace has been tipped to leave to a league rival if they sell one of their top men.