Kevin Campbell has backed West Bromwich Albion to complete the loan signing of Newcastle United midfielder Matty Longstaff [Football Insider].
The Lowdown: West Brom get busy ahead of 2021/22
Moving into 2021/22, many Baggies supporters will be intrigued to see how newly appointed manager Valerien Ismael constructs a side capable of cultivating a promotion charge.
Making inroads towards the transfer market, the West Midlands side have been heavily linked with a move for Barnsley midfielder Alex Mowatt [Football League World].
Additionally, the Sky Bet Championship outfit have been courting the services of 21-year-old Longstaff in recent weeks [Chronicle Live].
Campbell reckons Longstaff would be "great addition" at the Hawthorns
Relating to the latter, Sky Sports pundit Campbell was ecstatic about the possibility of Longstaff pitching up at the Hawthorns in a recent interview with Football Insider.
Speaking to the publication, the former West Brom man stated: “To West Brom? Wow, I’d be impressed if they could get that deal done.
“He would be a great addition but I’m sure there will be Premier League club interested as well. He is a talented young player with a big future ahead of him.
“I am surprised Newcastle won’t keep him and play him. I would be surprised if they let him leave to be honest.
“Whenever he has got some minutes he has looked very capable. He looks like a Premier League player. It would be a big coup if West Brom can sign him.” [Football Insider].
The Verdict: Longstaff would be an excellent signing for the Baggies
Showing his quality at the top level, the 5ft 7in Longstaff is most renowned for his scorching strike at St James’ Park in a famous 1-0 win over Manchester United in 2019 [BBC].
However, there is an argument to say that his development has been stunted in recent years due to injury concerns.
In 2020/21, Longstaff made just five appearances for the North-East side, missing time with a thigh muscle injury that has hampered him in the past too (Transfermarkt).
If he could stay fit with West Bromwich Albion however, they would be receiving an all-action midfielder who would surely benefit from the drop to second-tier football. Looking ahead, we agree with Campbell that this would be an excellent coup for the Baggies.
In other news, West Brom are interested in a play-off hero.