Sky Sports pundit Kevin Phillips has backed West Brom for a total squad overhaul during the upcoming transfer window, amid reports of the club being interested in a summer move for Aston Villa’s Conor Hourihane.
The Lowdown: Hourihane news
The 31-year-old Hourihane, who is currently out on a season-long loan at Sheffield United from the Midlands outfit, was just last week linked with a potential switch to the Albion at the end of the campaign.
However, the former Baggies striker Phillips has admitted that he believes Steve Bruce should be targeting more youthful options rather than experienced veterans if the club have aspirations of making a return to the top flight anytime soon, essentially calling for a full rebuild at the Hawthorns.
Will Steve Bruce get West Brom back into the Premier League?
Yes, we're going up!
Maybe next year
No chance
The Latest: Reshuffle on the cards
Giving his thoughts on the link to Hourihane in an interview with West Brom News, Phillips said: “Again, he’s a midfielder who can score goals.
“I would understand why you would go for those types of players, but I think if you bring too many into the squad, I think West Brom need to have an overhaul.
“They have got some good players there, but I think bringing more experience in, might not be the way forward, but bringing youth, energy and pace in the squad as well as those who know the league.
“I think it’s right to get the balance right.”
The Verdict: Play-off ambitions
The midfielder has made 29 appearances in all competitions for the Blades this season, providing five goal contributions during that time, via Transfermarkt.
Despite having plenty of experience in the second-tier of English football, Hourihane, who was once hailed a “quality” player by his former teammate Jack Grealish, isn’t the profile of player that the Baggies should be looking at bringing in, especially considering the fact that their campaign has ended in disappointment, having almost finished as a mid-table side.
Bruce will no doubt want to make some wholesale changes to his squad ahead of the start of the 2022/23 term, but he has to ensure that whichever new signings he brings in have the potential to help reach the play-off places and kick on for a long-term future at the club.
In other news… West Brom are reportedly eyeing a summer move for a Championship duo.
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