Oliver Burke spent one year in Germany before returning to England to join West Bromwich Albion during the summer transfer window.
Oliver Burke
Oliver Burke has suggested that Tony Pulis told him shortly before he made his summer move to West Brom that he had been monitoring his progress for a number of years, and insisted that playing regular football was a key motivating factor behind his move, the Express and Star reports.
Burke was one of the Baggies’ marquee additions during the summer transfer window – although the winger’s arrival was overshadowed by the loan signing Grzegorz Krychowiak – arriving for £15 million from Bundesliga surprise RB Leipzig, the Express and Star reports.
And the Scotland international suggested that the confidence that Pulis has instilled in him was a key reason behind his decision to switch a side set for their Champions League bow this season for the Hawthorns.
He said, as reported by the Express and Star: “Not playing in the Champions League and Europe? I don’t really think about that. I just think about being selfish in a way – I need to play!
“I just love football and I don’t care who for, just as long as I’m playing and I’m happy. Moving to West Brom is obviously going to help me and I think Tony Pulis believes in me a lot.
“He told me he’d watched me for a very long time, since I was a young boy. I felt it was the right move for me, back to England and to what I know, and hopefully I can enjoy myself and really kick on.”
Though Burke will feel that he was not given the chance to showcase his full potential during his year in Germany, there is surely no doubt that his arrival has the potential to be a masterstroke from the Baggies.
The 20-year-old was exceptional during his time at Nottingham Forest before his move away, and his year with Leipzig should have surely helped him take his game to the next level given the success that they enjoyed in the Bundesliga – so it would certainly not be a surprise if he proves to vindicate the club’s decision to spend such a significant amount of money on him.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
