Unai Emery blocked Aston Villa player from joining West Brom
West Brom were denied the chance to sign Aston Villa defender Lamare Bogarde on loan, according to The Athletic.
The news outlet detailed in an article on the Villa youngster on Monday (14 October) that the Baggies targeted a loan move for Bogarde earlier this year, only for Unai Emery to pull the plug on the deal due to his versatility across the backline.
Albion moved to sign Torbjorn Heggem, Mason Holgate, Gianluca Frabotta and Paddy McNair instead to bolster the defensive ranks in the summer transfer window.
Aston Villa rejection worked out perfect for West Brom
While Bogarde would have provided a capable option for West Brom this season, the transfer business conducted throughout the summer leaves the side in better stead as proven nine games into the Championship season.
The Baggies have fallen to fourth place in the league after a three-match winless spell. However, the side is still well on track to mount a challenge for automatic promotion this year and trail league leaders Sunderland and Sheffield United by only two points.
Prior to the 3-2 loss to Sheffield Wednesday, Albion had conceded only two goals in the league in six outings.
The defensive resiliency shown by the side this season is in no doubt down to Corberan’s tactical setup and shrewd transfer business.
Heggem has fit seamlessly into the left side of the defence and once Frabotta reaches match fitness following his summer move from Juventus, the competition for a starting berth at West Brom will be fierce.
Kyle Bartley has enjoyed a resurgence back into the first-team frame this year, forming a solid partnership with Semi Ajayi in central defence, while Darnell Furlong has continued his solid performances into the new campaign.
It is safe to say that the Baggies are doing just fine without Bogarde, who is struggling for minutes at Villa Park, and the rejection is a blessing in disguise for Corberan.
The Spaniard needs all hands on deck to achieve promotion back to the English top-flight this season and his defensive unit is the perfect foundation to launch his bid.
In other West Brom news, here are the West Brom player ratings so far this season.
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