West Brom transfer update as Cedric Kipre leverage noted in Trabzonspor talks
Cedric Kipre's representatives are trying to use interest in the West Brom defender as leverage to get him a better deal from Trabzonspor, according to Sabah.
The Turkish outlet reported (10 June) that talks have occurred between the Ivorian centre-back and the Super Lig outfit over a free transfer when his Baggies contract expires at the end of this month.
It adds that the negotiations are going through a "difficult process" because Kipre has a lot of suitors, a situation his agent is trying to use to his advantage in talks.
However, Kipre - West Brom's Player of the Year in the 2023/24 season - is said to be ready to make the move and "hot developments" could occur this week, Sabah wrote.
West Brom will struggle to replace Cedric Kipre
Playing the third-most matches of any Albion player and collecting an individual accolade at the end of the season shows just how crucial a cog Kipre has been for West Brom, and him leaving on a free transfer will be a big blow for Carlos Corberan.
A regular alongside either Kyle Bartley or Semi Ajayi at the heart of the Baggies' back four, Kipre laid a solid foundation that helped Albion to the second-most clean sheets in the division, having the third-best defence overall.
Minus the Premier League parachute payments afforded to sides like Leeds, Luton and Burnley next season, Albion cannot afford to spend beyond their means this summer - thus losing a star player for free is far from helpful.
The budget Corberan will have to find a suitable replacement for Kipre remains to be seen, but it's clear that a centre-back in his prime, who can help the Baggies to almost 20 clean sheets per season, will not come cheap.
In other West Brom news, Mo Faal is running out of time to make his mark at The Hawthorns – it may be now or never.