Taylor Gardner-Hickman may complete permanent West Brom exit on Saturday
Taylor Gardner-Hickman could well complete his permanent West Brom exit ahead of the Baggies’ clash with Blackburn Rovers, according to Bristol Live.
The outlet reported on its website on Saturday (13 January) that the Albion loanee who is currently on loan at Bristol City could make his stay permanent ahead of the Robins’ clash with Preston North End, which kicks off at the same time as the Baggies’ showdown with Blackburn.
Gardner-Hickman’s future is being discussed alongside a deal that will see Andi Weimann join Carlos Corberan’s side at The Hawthorns for the second half of the season, with City hoping to tie his deal into the negotiations.
Bit of a shame
It’s a bit of a shame to see a promising product of the West Brom academy depart The Hawthorns permanently with very little fanfare, but it has been apparent for some time that Gardner-Hickman’s future lies away from the Midlands.
The midfielder was sent out on loan by Corberan due to a lack of funds at The Hawthorns and the abundance of midfield talent at the Albion boss’ disposal, but he has flourished at Bristol City and has put in a number of impressive performances.
Ultimately, if it helps bring Weimann to The Hawthorns, Gardner-Hickman’s exit is a means to an end, but there will be plenty of sections of the West Brom fanbase questioning which side has got the better end of this deal.
For Albion, at least they know that they are guaranteed a reasonable fee for the 22-year-old’s services having agreed on a buy clause with the Robins in the summer. As a product of the Baggies academy as well, his sale will be deemed as 100 per cent profit, an important factor when towing the financial fair play line.
Hopefully, if Gardner-Hickman’s exit may be confirmed ahead of the 3 pm kick-off, Weimann’s arrival may also be announced.
In other West Brom news, Corberan has called for patience when discussing Daryl Dike’s fitness at The Hawthorns