West Bromwich Albion would have hoped for a better start to their Premier League campaign on their return. No wins in three games isn’t a great record but their first-half performance against Chelsea will give them a lot of confidence.
The Baggies are among the bookies’ favourites to go down at the end of this season. Slaven Bilic’s men have their backs against the wall and will need all the help they can get in the transfer window.
West Brom are looking for a new striker. Bilic needs someone who will be a major threat up front and it looks as though they have found a man who was directly involved in 16 goals last season.
The Telegraph claims West Brom have enquired about signing Islam Slimani on a season-long loan deal. The Algerian was signed by Leicester City for a whopping £29 million in 2016 (BBC).
Sadly, though, the move hasn’t quite worked out for him. Slimani has only played 46 times for the Foxes and scored 13 goals. He was shipped out on loan to Newcastle United, Fenerbahce and most recently to Monaco, where he had an excellent campaign.
Good move for West Brom?
The 32-year-old has entered the final year of his contract and appears to have no future at Leicester City. A move away is likely but it will be interesting to see if the Foxes sanction a loan deal.
Slimani will be a free agent next summer and Leicester may not get a better opportunity to make some money. Whether West Brom move for a permanent deal, however, is a different story.
A loan deal makes a lot of sense for the Baggies. Slimani could prove the difference in their battle against relegation but, if he doesn’t, they will have no obligation to keep hold of him.
If West Brom sign him on a long contract, they will have to cover his wages next season, which could be a big problem if they drop to the Championship.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
