Why Callum Robinson to West Brom makes no sense

According to BBC, West Brom have acquired the services of Callum Robinson on loan from Sheffield United.

A recent Daily Mail report suggested that the Baggies were looking for a wide forward to bolster their attacking options this month and Robinson’s versatility does fit the bill on paper. However, was this the right move for the Championship outfit and the player?

Slaven Bilic’s side are currently placed 2nd in the table – two points behind leaders Leeds United. The report also suggests that Grady Diangana could be on the sidelines for a month due to a hamstring injury. Despite that, the deal for Callum Robinson is far from an apt idea.

Matt Phillips, who is capable of playing on either wing, has featured in 25 league games so far and has contributed with 7 goals and 4 assists. Matheus Pereira has featured in 26 league games as well, scoring 5 and providing 5 assists.

Apart from them, Chris Willock has fitted in perfectly whenever he has been called upon, plundering 4 goals and further setting up 5 in just 10 games. Bilic also has Hal Robson-Kanu at his disposal and he can play anywhere in the forward line. With such quality players, signing Robinson hardly makes sense.

The 24-year-old, who came through Aston Villa’s youth ranks, played most of his career on loan spells at Preston North End before permanently joining them in 2016. In 160 appearances for the Lilywhites, Robinson scored 41 goals and provided 21 assists.

He was brought in by the Blades last summer and has scored only once in 16 league games. That said, returning to the Championship might not be the best move as far as the player is concerned.

With Leon Clarke, David McGoldrick and Ricky Holmes all above 30 and nearing the end of their careers, Sheffield United should have retained his services.

Furthermore, the likes of Pereira and Matt Phillips have been doing exceedingly well at the Hawthorns. Now, it will be interesting to see how he fares amidst such fierce competition for places.

Verdict

At 24, Robinson should have continued in the Premier League. That said, now that the move has already happened, it remains to be seen if this move does work out.