West Brom ready bid to sign the new Jonas Olsson amid Cedric Kipre exit talk
West Brom could look to replace Cedric Kipre with St. Pauli defender Eric Smith.
Kipre was one of the Baggies’ standout performers last season.
As a result, Carlos Corberan will be keen to keep hold of the centre-back. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee of that happening.
According to Turkish news outlet Sabah (10 June), talks have taken place between Kipre and Trabzonspor over a potential free transfer.
West Brom’s Player of the Year for the 2023/24 campaign is said to be ready to make a move to the Super Lig.
It therefore appears unlikely that the Ivorian defender will put pen to paper on a new deal at The Hawthorns.
As a result, a replacement will be needed, and Aftonbladet have reported (7 June) that the Baggies could look to make a move for Smith, although they will face competition for his signature from Leeds United.
After Jonas Olsson’s joy with West Brom, Smith could perhaps become the next Swedish sensation at The Hawthorns.
While supporters will be keen for Kipre to sign a new deal with West Brom, they must accept that there is no guarantee of that happening.
However, if they could bring Smith to the club, it would certainly soften the blow.
Would Eric Smith be a good replacement for Cedrick Kipre at West Brom?
The 27-year-old impressed last season as St.Pauli stormed to the 2. Bundesliga title and earned promotion to the top flight of German football.
His impressive form earned him a maiden call-up to the Sweden national team, and based on the stats, it is clear to see why he has caught the eye of those at West Brom and Leeds.
While St. Pauli’s dominance in the division meant Smith didn’t need to do as much defensive work, his passing numbers were superb.
As per fbref, Smith ranked in the top nine per cent of 2. Bundesliga centre-backs for the number of progressive passes he played (5.83 per 90) and the top two per cent for the number of passes he played into the final third (6.51 per 90).
In addition, he was among the top six per cent of his positional peers for the number of assists he provided (0.12 per 90) and the top 13 per cent for the number of passes into the penalty area (0.52 per 90) and key passes (0.52 per 90) he played.
He impressed in possession too, sitting in the 90th percentile for both the number of touches he made in the middle third (42.79 per 90) and attacking third (8.20 per 90).
Smith appears on paper to be the perfect player to fit into Corberan’s system at West Brom. As a result, he is someone who absolutely must be signed if Kipre does end up leaving.
In other West Brom news, Shilen Patel has shared a “proud” announcement about the club’s women’s team.
For more West Brom news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.