Why West Brom should go all out to sign Olivier Ntcham
As per Football Insider (h/t Birmingham Mail), West Bromwich Albion are looking to bring in Olivier Ntcham from Celtic in this transfer window.
The club are looking at a loan-to-buy option for him which would mean making his transfer permanent at the end of the season. (h/t Birmingham Mail)
Profile
Olivier Ntcham is a 24-year-old French midfielder who plays for Celtic. He played for various youth clubs such as Chennevierne sur-Marne (2004), US Ormesson (2005), VGA Saint-Maur (2008), Paris FC (2009), Le Havre (2010) and finally Manchester City (2012).
In 2015, he was promoted to the senior team at Man City. Then he was immediately loaned out to Genoa for two years. He went on to play 41 times for Genoa, scoring 3 goals and assisting 2. (h/t Transfermarkt)
It needs to be noted that although Ntcham didn’t play for City’s senior side, he did play 46 times for the U-23’s. Celtic signed him once he returned from his loan spell in 2017. Since then, he has appeared in 134 games, scored 23 goals and assisted another 13. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Despite featuring so much for the French youth teams, he is yet to get a call up to the senior side.
Do West Brom need him?
West Brom are back in the Premier League after a two-year absence. They must ensure adequate quality and depth in all positions in order to avoid the drop at the end of the season.
The Baggies already have quite a few midfielders on their books such as captain Jake Livermore, Rekeem Harper, Romaine Sawyers and Sam Field. In addition, they have also brought in Conor Gallagher on loan from Chelsea.
However, with only 5 recognised central players for a team that deploys 3 in the starting XI, it surely looks they are under-stocked. A player like Ntcham would solve that issue for them all ends up.
Capable of playing in a variety of central positions such as attacking midfield, central midfield or defensive midfield, he would be a huge coup for West Brom.
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Verdict
This is a deal the Baggies should go for. A loan-to-buy deal is quite a safe option. They can get ample time to see if the player performs as per expectations. Then they can then finalise the deal in the next season.
A complete and versatile midfielder who can chip in with goals and assists is exactly what West Brom need. and Olivier Ntcham can provide them with just that.
