Did Sunderland miss a trick not challenging West Brom for Hal Robson-Kanu?

Follow us on Google Discover

Hal Robson-Kanu may not have scored prolifically for West Brom but, on a free transfer, the former Reading forward could’ve helped Sunderland out.

Unsurprisingly, it was Hal Robson-Kanu’s moment of Cryuff inspired genius against Belgium at Euro 2016 that made him one of the summer’s most sought-after transfer targets. After all, scoring one of the stand-out individual goals at an international tournament certainly puts you in the limelight more than netting five times all season for Championship strugglers Reading.

And West Brom, who eventually swooped to sign the Welsh international on a free transfer, are preparing to offer Robson-Kanu a new contract, according to the Daily Mirror.

Despite starting just four Premier League games all season, netting two goals, Baggies boss Tony Pulis sees the 27-year-old as a vital part of his plans due to his versatility and ability to make a difference off the bench.

However, while Robson-Kanu may not go down as one of the most inspired or memorable signings of the 2016/17 season, you get the feeling that Sunderland missed a trick.

After all, beleaguered boss David Moyes has barely wasted an opportunity to remind the watching world that he has had his hands tied behind his back in the transfer market due to the club’s spiralling debts and owner Ellis Short’s refusal to put his hand in his pocket.

Therefore, the fact that Sunderland did not even appear to be involved in the pursuit of Robson-Kanu, then a free-agent after his contract at Reading expired, should be questioned.

Yes, his tally of two Premier League goals doesn’t exactly suggest that he could alleviate the pressure on the talismanic Jermaine Defoe, scorer of 58 per cent of Sunderland’s strikes this season.

But Robson-Kanu would surely have scored at a more consistent basis had he been given more regular minutes. After all, his record at West Brom reads a goal every other start on average.

As such, Moyes has been lumbered with the profligate, panicky Fabio Borini and the frequently crocked Victor Anichebe. And now it appears that another great escape is beyond them.