Carlton Palmer reacts to ‘bad’ Matt Philips news, West Brom forced to reconsider transfer plans
Carlton Palmer has insisted West Brom will be forced to change their stance on a possible move for Grady Diangana in January after an injury blow to Matt Phillips.
Phillips has been ruled out for four months with a hamstring injury, leaving Carlos Corberan light for options out wide, and if Diangana were to leave, they could be caught short.
The former Albion midfielder suggested that the club were considering letting Diangana go for a fee, with that money used to balance the books, but will be forced to reconsider now.
Speaking to Football League World [8 December], Palmer shared: “Bad news for West Bromwich Albion with Matty Phillips being ruled out of action for four months because of a hamstring injury.
“Phillips has played every league game this season, scoring three goals and making three assists. He has had a big impact on the Baggies thus far.
“I assume this will make the decision surrounding Grady Diangana different. The Baggies have reportedly been willing to sell in the January transfer window to balance the books and were probably considering the sale of Grady.
“Given the injury and how well the Baggies are going in the Championship, they may well be forced to reconsider amidst a genuine push for promotion this season.”
Diangana should not be leaving
Regardless of the injury to Phillips, Diangana shouldn’t be the one on the list of potential outgoing players at The Hawthorns. Interest from Leeds United and Leicester was reported in the summer window, but he has stepped up so far this season.
With injuries taking place throughout the season so far, Diangana has been someone Corberan could rely on to step up in the absence of key men, and his six goal contributions from 14 games so far this season – many of those from the bench – are an impressive return.
Of course, it is expected that West Brom will be pushed into selling some players in January to balance the books and comply with profit and sustainability rules, with their wage bill overly high for the level and with the owners no longer willing to invest.
The news that Phillips is injured will be a blow to West Brom and their potential transfer plans, but there are other players at the club that may remain on the chopping board as we head towards the January window.
In other West Brom news, Carlos Corberan has reacted to the latest sack news.