Why West Brom have done the right thing by completing a permanent deal for Callum Robinson
According to the Sky Sports, West Brom have completed the permanent signing of Sheffield United star Callum Robinson with Oliver Burke going the other way to Bramall Lane.
Robinson spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Albion and played a key role as Slaven Bilic’s side secured promotion to the Premier League after finishing runners-up to Leeds United in the Championship.
As per the report, the 25-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the Baggies.
Profile
Born in Northampton, Callum Robinson rose through the youth ranks of Aston Villa and made his professional debut during the 2013-14 season. However, he struggled for playing time at his boyhood club. He eventually went on to sign for Preston North End in the summer of 2016 following a couple of successful loan spells at Deepdale.
The 25-year-old established himself as a force to reckon with in the Championship, netting 10 times for the Lilywhites during the 2016-17 campaign. Robinson went on to accumulate 41 goals and 21 assists in 160 appearances for Preston in all competitions, including loan spells, before joining newly-promoted PL side Sheffield United last summer.
The Republic of Ireland international struggled to make a big impact in the top-flight, scoring only once in 16 appearances for the Blades during the first half of the 2019-20 season. He was subsequently loaned out to West Brom in January. He bagged 3 goals and 2 assists in 16 league outings, guiding the Baggies to a promotion-winning campaign.
Robinson can be an important squad player in the Premier League
West Brom have already completed permanent deals for last season’s loanees Matheus Pereira and Grady Diangana, with both attackers having been instrumental in their successful bid for promotion last term. This can be seen as a shrewd approach from Bilic in the summer market as it saves the period of acclimatisation required for new players coming into the team.
Callum Robinson might have struggled to set the Premier League on fire at Sheffield United. But it would be really harsh to judge his top-flight credentials based on just 16 appearances over half a season.
He rejuvenated himself really well after joining West Brom on loan. So, the Irishman deserves another shot at the English top-flight, this time under the stewardship of Bilic.
It is unclear whether the 25-year-old would be a regular starter next season. However, West Brom needed more depth in their attacking options even after securing deals for Diangana and Pereira. And Robinson’s versatility to play in multiple positions across the forward line makes him a useful asset to Bilic’s dynamics.
The Irishman is capable of playing out wide on both flanks while also possessing the necessary skill set to lead the line. Hence, he would provide cover and competition for the likes of Diangana, Pereira, Kyle Edwards, and Matt Phillips, while also challenging Charlie Austin and Hal Robson-Kanu for a spot in front of goal.
On the other hand, Oliver Burke hasn’t really done anything significant to prove his worth since coming through the door for a mammoth £15m fee from RB Leipzig three years ago. The Scottish international has spent the last couple of seasons on loan and a permanent change of surroundings would perhaps be the best settlement for all parties.
Read more
- Why West Brom should not make a move Troy Deeney
- West Brom hold talks to sign Cedric Kipre – A smart move by Bilic?
Verdict
Suffice to say, West Brom are the clear winners, having secured a permanent deal for Callum Robinson in exchange for Oliver Burke, who has struggled to deliver on his potential at the Hawthorns.
The 25-year-old still has his best years ahead of him. And Bilic will have a really handy player at his disposal, if he manages to extract the best out of the versatile forward in the PL next season.
