West Bromwich Albion have signed former Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez for an initial £12 million.
According to the Express and Star, the Baggies have signed the forward for an initial £12 million in a deal that could ultimately cost the side £15 million.
Jay Rodriguez
And while many may think of the 27-year-old predominantly as a striker, West Brom boss Tony Pulis – who did comment on Rodriguez’s versatility – seemingly suggested that he is a big fan of the former Burnley man being deployed in a wider role.
“He gives us different options and that’s important for a club such as ours – Jay can play in three different positions across the front and that’s good for us,” he said, as reported by the Express and Star.
“He was exceptional for Southampton out wide and coming in off the line.
“He also plays as a striker – he’s got these different qualities to play anywhere along the front line.”
It would perhaps be a surprise if Rodriguez does feature more regularly out on the wing than he does up front given the lack of options that the Baggies have up front.
West Brom manager Tony Pulis
Salomon Rondon and Hal Robson-Kanu both struggled for goals last season – scoring 11 between them in the Premier League – and Pulis’ lack of alternative options hinted that the former Saints man was arriving at the Hawthorns to bolster the club’s options through the middle.
But with Pulis believing that Rodriguez is exceptional when deployed out on the wing, it would appear that the West Brom boss is keen to try and fit as many of his attacking options in the side as possible.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
