Glad we are looking at younger creative players and even looking abroad, but disappointed that the club's transfer policy is already looking to be down to the manager doing the scouting again. All very Megson era.
Hope we buy rather than loan.
Eastern daily press saying he is being lined up by Naarwich
translation follows (courtesy of google), sounds very positive
Krovinovic will represent West Bromwich next season as a loan from Benfica. The midfielder knew that he was not in the accounts of Bruno Lage and since the end of the season that was looking for a new team, with the aim of being able to act more regularly. There were several emblems to present proposals by the player, but it turned out to be the formation that militates in the second echelon of English soccer to win this race.
The benfiquistas managers have settled another dossier and already guarantee a fitting of 300 thousand pounds, equivalent to 335 thousand euros. This figure can double if the team led by Slaven Bilic - coach in the process - rise to the Premier League.
Moreover, Record knows, West Bromwich will have to pay 110 mln euros in the event that the average 23-year-old does not play half the games.
Krovinovic has also presented himself to work on Monday, but will soon travel to England to make this change official.
I hope that's not meant to mean we pay Benefica 110 million euros if he doesn't play half the games! That's one way to guarantee your loaned-out players game time I guess
https://youtu.be/RfFf02KzzYg (https://youtu.be/RfFf02KzzYg)
Some highlights of him
https://youtu.be/RfFf02KzzYg (https://youtu.be/RfFf02KzzYg)
Some highlights of him
Dare I say he has an air of Harvey Barnes about him? Cutting in and shooting early. Very raw looking mindI'll reserve judgment until I see him v decent Championship opposition. We need someone like Barnes who can run with the ball, but Barnes was also very hard to shove off the ball.
Filip Krovinović is set to fly to England within the next 72 hours to finalise a move to #wba after agreeing a €300k loan fee with Benfica according to reports in Portugal....
Whilst i like the look of this, the first 2 deals we have been linked with are both loans... We had a loan army last year, hopefully we include an option to buy for a set fee.
Really good at having keepers save his shots!
Looks ok. Good right foot, not afraid to use his left. Can spot a pass and good off the ball movement.
I’m genuinely trying to remember the last time we bought someone into the club under the age of 25 from a foreign league. This looks like it’s a Slav signing if so you have to say the club have moved quickly to secure his services considering he walked through the door 1 week ago. Wait to see what this kid has about him but if we can get Harper to sign & Chalobah through the door then the midfield already has a far more mobile and youthful look about it from what we finished with last season.This would lend itself to the theory that
I’m genuinely trying to remember the last time we bought someone into the club under the age of 25 from a foreign league. This looks like it’s a Slav signing if so you have to say the club have moved quickly to secure his services considering he walked through the door 1 week ago. Wait to see what this kid has about him but if we can get Harper to sign & Chalobah through the door then the midfield already has a far more mobile and youthful look about it from what we finished with last season.Oli Burke from Leipzig, Zhang from Vitesse and if including 25 year olds Hegazi from El Ahly were all only 2 seasons ago.
Deal confirmed according to E & s https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-transfers-rumours-news-16511201
Can’t see anything in that article about Filipi Krovinovic signing for us, are you sure?Don’t worry , him and T Chalobah by the end of the week.
Can’t see anything in that article about Filipi Krovinovic signing for us, are you sure?
I couldn't either.
However Matt Wilson states on his twitter page that Krovinovic is expected to fly over some time this week and sign the deal which has apparently been agreed by the two clubs. Season long loan.
Still no sign of a lofted scarf.......
It will be announced today or tomorrow after medical is done. Don't panic this one is a done deal.
I know it's only You Tube but he looks more of a Teixeira type player.
Technically quite good but lacking the physical presence.
If he is like Teixeira then he will be a good signing .
Came across this though
http://sportwitness.co.uk/move-west-brom-delayed-reasons-not-revealed-clubs-still-negotiations/
Case of same old Albion again ??
The article clearly says that "negotiating with Benfica is not as easy at it may seem". Sounds like it 's them rather than us.
Yep, but we do have ........'history'
we do indeed and I'm sure the article would have mentioned any issues on our part if there were any.aren’t all three sources (O Jogo, A Bola and Record) Portuguese outlets? Suggests that the may not know about our penchant for post moving, at least not as well as they know benfica’s habits. Maybe they don’t know which side is causing the delay, just that there is one?
Daily Mail reporting this will be confirmed today
(https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7211111/Benficas-Filip-Krovinovic-join-West-Brom-season-long-loan.html)
aren’t all three sources (O Jogo, A Bola and Record) Portuguese outlets? Suggests that the may not know about our penchant for post moving, at least not as well as they know benfica’s habits. Maybe they don’t know which side is causing the delay, just that there is one?
May be next week according to Matt Wilson
https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2019/07/04/chelseas-trevoh-chalobah-on-west-broms-list-of-targets/
Not sure about this one now, Matt Wilson reporting the deal was done on Monday and that he'd be flying over to finalise. Now he's not flying until next week, with lots of strange clauses about us having to pay more if he doesn't play enough games or if we get promoted etc.
What's the point in him flyng to England when he can just drive up to us in Spain in his car???? This deal is done, it was done days ago.
Benfica to Benidorm must be quite a drive!
It's not that far. About 500 miles.
Fresh reports in the Portuguese media claim that West Brom’s move for Filip Krovinovic is now 'at risk’Did we really expect anything else? This is West Brom - nothing gets sorted in a few days. This is my big fear for this season. Four weeks left of a transfer window and our dealings always take an age!
What the @#£*
of course you may be right , but they do state that Benfica aren't easy to deal with, if it was us being difficult I'm sure they would have reported it as such.
I wonder if Bojans availability has anything to do with this delay.
Bojan sadly looks finished , done nothing in about 3 years now including two loan spells . To me he's just the sort we need to avoid and his wages won't be cheap , much rather look at Krovinovic or the likes.Still plenty of people on the Oatcake love him, and dreading him signing for another Championship club. We could do a lot worse, and probably will.
Still plenty of people on the Oatcake love him, and dreading him signing for another Championship club. We could do a lot worse, and probably will.They are going on past memories , he's shown nothing in 3 years so its a no from me .
Why is everyone presuming the potential collapse of this transfer is down to bojan? This is the Albion we’re talking about it’s bad it’s always bad when it comes to transfers.
They are going on past memories , he's shown nothing in 3 years so its a no from me .Only the same as chris brunt done nothing for 3 yrs
Don't want to see us making expensive mistakes again
Only the same as chris brunt done nothing for 3 yrs
And there wasn't thinking this thread was meant to be about Filip Krovinovic...
If that's 4-3-3 then centrally as the most advance member of the midfield 3.
Speaking of which where do we envisage Filip playing in SBs preferred formation?
If that's 4-3-3 then centrally as the most advance member of the midfield 3.
In his most successful WHU season he played 2 versions of 4-5-1.
1st was flat 5 across midfield with wingers, 1 central defensive midfielder and a lone striker. 2nd was 2 holding midfielders, 3 narrow advanced midfielders and a lone striker.
Feel generally positive about this one. Quick look at a Benfica forum though (poorly translated through google) and it is mixed reviews, some feel he was great when they started and just needs a good run of games to get back there. Others feel that when he had his injury he couldn't be bothered much and a number of them talk about women and wine. Ill remain optimistic though but reserve judgement until he has a couple of games under his belt
Do we know if we have an option to buy on this, if he does end up doing well it would be nice to already have something in place.no option to buy, but no January recall either.
I'm hopeful that Billic and Croatian staff will give him good support, but ultimately it will be down to him. You'd hope he is able to do a similar job to Barnes, but I'm really waiting to see how strong he is physically on the ball, because you get knocked about a bit in the Championship.
Welcome Filip my Mukka, you are filling in a spot that has needed filling for a long time so heres to you having a great season.
no option to buy, but no January recall either.
Seen barely anything of him. Watched one video for a couple of minutes which appeared to show him having a load of shots but the majority of them being saved ;D
Lets just hope he has a similar impact to that of Harvey Barnes rather than the impact of Jefferson Montero.
How good is this man! He's going to be the best midfielder in the championship this season. Got my first look at him last night, looked real quality.
How good is this man! He's going to be the best midfielder in the championship this season. Got my first look at him last night, looked real quality.He'll be in for a kicking then.
Seen barely anything of him. Watched one video for a couple of minutes which appeared to show him having a load of shots but the majority of them being saved ;DMontero is a very good footballer, pace and skill, he just never had the opportunity with us
Lets just hope he has a similar impact to that of Harvey Barnes rather than the impact of Jefferson Montero.
Montero is a very good footballer, pace and skill, he just never had the opportunity with us
People talk about being on 30k a week and should be able to switch it on immediately, but it really doesn't work like that
Last year our management made some very strange decisions and the players suffered
Gayle out wide
Harper starting, then bombed, then starts
Edwards starts , scores bombed
Last year we should and could have walked that league, Montero and others are being judged on an ineffective management team
Montero's pace is a thing of the past. Not been seen for 4 seasons. Clever enough player but relied entirely on his former speed when in his pomp.Towards the end of season (I think vs sheff utd) he came on and was mustard down the channel..
Last night was the third time i've seen him play, so it is still very, very early days, but while I think he is a class above on the ball, very good operating in tight spaces and works hard to cover lots of ground, I am still waiting to see him actually do anything of note (I should add I wasn't at the Milwall league game, have seen him vs B'mouth and Forest priorto last night).I noticed he was trying to one-two his way through the Millwall defence (league game) which is very difficult if you are trying to work the ball through a compact 8 man defence. But alot depends on his teammates though. if players are not on the same wavelength in making runs into space then his options are limited.
He picks the ball up from deep, runs with it, then lays it off to the player next to him, or plays one twos on the edge of the box. As of yet though, for our most advanced midfielder I can't think of a time he has found an opening for the striker or broken the line when a team is defending. The only time he came close was opening day vs Forest where he ultimately fluffed his pass to Edwards on the break while 2 v2.
He also operates in the same spaces as Pereira, as seen last night, so that could become an issue unless they can adapt their games when playing together (as I can't see Bilic going with Pereira over Krov - he was his flag ship signing).
It might be with a more balanced side he is exactly what we need, but it would be good if vs Luton he could show us his ability to create some solid chances, as so far he has summed up Bilic's early games at Albion. Lots of nice football, but lacking any killer edge.
Last night was the third time i've seen him play, so it is still very, very early days, but while I think he is a class above on the ball, very good operating in tight spaces and works hard to cover lots of ground, I am still waiting to see him actually do anything of note (I should add I wasn't at the Milwall league game, have seen him vs B'mouth and Forest priorto last night).
He picks the ball up from deep, runs with it, then lays it off to the player next to him, or plays one twos on the edge of the box. As of yet though, for our most advanced midfielder I can't think of a time he has found an opening for the striker or broken the line when a team is defending. The only time he came close was opening day vs Forest where he ultimately fluffed his pass to Edwards on the break while 2 v2.
He also operates in the same spaces as Pereira, as seen last night, so that could become an issue unless they can adapt their games when playing together (as I can't see Bilic going with Pereira over Krov - he was his flag ship signing).
It might be with a more balanced side he is exactly what we need, but it would be good if vs Luton he could show us his ability to create some solid chances, as so far he has summed up Bilic's early games at Albion. Lots of nice football, but lacking any killer edge.
I've only seen him on the box away at Forest but I commented then how much he reminded me of Robert Koren. Do not get me wrong, football has moved on but I think in certain games he could play in the centre of midfield in a 4. You could have him and Sawyers central with Phillips and Brunt (or someone else suited to playing as a wide midfielder rather than a winger) wide and be a successful possession based midfield 4.
Maybe Livermore as deep midfielder and Sawyers and Krovinovic ahead of him. Push the wingers up and play more of a 433 rather than 4231. Think that would suit us and we should dominate games more this year.
Another option would be to go full Mowbray, take Livermore out and don’t bother with a defensive midfielder at all (although not really something I would be keen on). Krov, Sawyers and Pereira, with options to fit Brunt and Harper in there.
We could go really bonkersDrooling over that midfield in the championship
Keeper
Semi. Bartley. Hegazi
Livermore
Phillips. Krov sawyers. Diangana. Pereria
Austin
With all of the midfielders told to break in turn
Like his linking of play but would like to see him further up the pitch to do more damage.
Him and sawyers have helped us be more on front foot but I think we need to find a way of him moving into more attacking positions, especially at home
I agree that our number 10 needs to be more attacking and threatening the goal but is that Krovinovic's strength. I think he may be better playing and attacking from deep, he really does remind me of Koren.
Personally, I would like to see him drop back alongside Sawyers to get Pereira into the #10 role.Krov Sawyers
Phillips Pereira Diangana/Edwards
Austin
Pereira would be a hell of a suupply line in that role for Austin or Zohore from what I saw last night. Plus it means removing Livermore from the side who, whilst I think he has looked better this season, still offers very little as a footballer.
Agree with this but do we leave ourselves exposed defensively? Maybe one for the lower half teams?
Does Livermore add anything defensively?
i think there's to much emphasis on the need for a defensive midfielder, they should all be able to tackle. can anyone recall the midfield under Ardiles?
The team for the Final against Port Vale.Midfielders are in BOLD
GK 1 Tony Lange
RB 2 Nicky Reid
LB 3 Steve Lilwall
CM 4 Darren Bradley
CB 5 Paul Raven
CB 6 Gary Strodder
CF 7 Andy Hunt
CM 8 Ian Hamilton
CF 9 Bob Taylor
LM 10 Bernard McNally
RM 11 Kevin Donovan
Substitutes:
FW Simon Garner
MF Gary Robson
Manager:
Osvaldo Ardiles
Does Livermore add anything defensively?
The team for the Final against Port Vale.Midfielders are in BOLD
GK 1 Tony Lange
RB 2 Nicky Reid
LB 3 Steve Lilwall
CM 4 Darren Bradley
CB 5 Paul Raven
CB 6 Gary Strodder
CF 7 Andy Hunt
CM 8 Ian Hamilton
CF 9 Bob Taylor
LM 10 Bernard McNally
RM 11 Kevin Donovan
Substitutes:
FW Simon Garner
MF Gary Robson
Manager:
Osvaldo Ardiles
First time I saw him in Benidorm pre season I thought he was excellent,but for me he is becoming less convincing each game so far,his first touch v Derby was poor,plus his insistence of trying to play the ball through the middle of a packed defence on the oppositions 18yard line is beginning to grate a little as it never works,also I really dislike the short corner routine which again never works,for me based on the last couple of games he is the one I would not guarantee a start too,prariera could take his place
I obviously didn't see the same game as those who thought Krovinovic's first touch was poor against Derby. In the game I watched, he often got the ball when surrounded by up to 3 defenders and still managed to turn and give it to one of our men. At the moment the only one control that comes near Krov is Sawyers and he's playing in space.I wholeheartedly agree. As you say, Sawyers usually has space to play in, but his passing more than often reaches the target. Krov is a quick thinker, weighs up his options, then makes a quick pass. Too often though, others haven’t made the move he was hoping for.
He links up so well with pereira, got to play them both for me
Sorry I have to disagree here,he runs around a lot but the end product is getting worse,his first touch v Derby was terrible,i really hope I'm wrong I this one,lets see how it goesIts all a matter of opinions of course, and thats what this forum is all about, but seriously, this lad is a class act, and as others have said, he just needs others around him to start reading his plays and movements ( like Pereira can), and he will be a match winner for us.
He links up so well with pereira, got to play them both for me
I think our team looks poorer without him. He was a good link from Sawyers to the frontman and wingers and his ball retention is good.
We were much better when he replaced Livermore as he’s an actual footballer. He was busy, showed for the ball, kept possession in tight areas, his decision making was good. His team mates trusted him. He kept it simple. That in turn allowed Edwards to get into one on ones with their full back and Periera came alive. You could also see the pressure lifting off Sawyers. I’d like to see him alongside Romain in midfield with Livermore on the bench and Diagana and Periera playing with Edwards in front and Austin or Zohore.
We were much better when he replaced Livermore as he’s an actual footballer. He was busy, showed for the ball, kept possession in tight areas, his decision making was good. His team mates trusted him. He kept it simple. That in turn allowed Edwards to get into one on ones with their full back and Periera came alive. You could also see the pressure lifting off Sawyers. I’d like to see him alongside Romain in midfield with Livermore on the bench and Diagana and Periera playing with Edwards in front and Austin or Zohore.
We were much better when he replaced Livermore as he’s an actual footballer. He was busy, showed for the ball, kept possession in tight areas, his decision making was good. His team mates trusted him. He kept it simple. That in turn allowed Edwards to get into one on ones with their full back and Periera came alive. You could also see the pressure lifting off Sawyers. I’d like to see him alongside Romain in midfield with Livermore on the bench and Diagana and Periera playing with Edwards in front and Austin or Zohore.
For me this lad has been the biggest disappointment so far this season. When brought in I thought he was going to be very influential in everything we did but once again when took off at Half Time we look a far better team.
Technically you can see he’s good, can pass and get out of right situations but far too often he slows things down and doesn’t contribute assists and goals.
Needs to play in central midfield alongside Sawyers.
Needs to play in central midfield alongside Sawyers.
Needs to play in central midfield alongside Sawyers.
Never give up do you Jacko ?
Needs to play in central midfield alongside Sawyers.
Never give up do you Jacko ?
Never give up do you Jacko ?I think Jacko is right on this one,fantastically gifted technical player .
I think Jacko is right on this one,fantastically gifted technical player .Jacko would choose you over Livermore, Zippy, that's his agenda.
Not done enough for me yet to match the hype , in fairness like Perreira he seems to need time to get used to the physical element of this league .Perreira is far more technically gifted than Krovinovic based on what ive seen so far
Get more of an idea of them both in a few months.
Jacko would choose you over Livermore, Zippy, that's his agenda.Well I have boots, knees like pistons, work ard...
It just begs the question of whether he might be more suited to the role Sawyers plays, with somebody with a bit more cutting edge playing further up the pitch.
This was my opinion 5-6 weeks ago and it remains so now.If we had a solid back 5 I think we could get away with Krov in for Livermore but until Johnstone and Bartley are either dropped, or sort themselves out, it would be too risky.
Decent player, but it seems he is more suited to the Sawyers role and I wouldn't drop Sawyers at this stage. You could replace Livermore but does that leave the defence exposed? Sawyers can't tackle so Krov would gave to show his defensive side if we do that.
Needs to play in central midfield alongside Sawyers.
I think so, Krov needs to calm down a bit basically I think he is just trying too hard, like the kid in the playground game who always wants to do everything
Christ Jacko, thats a recipe for suicide. Sawyers does not tackle. Krov certainly does not look like the type of player who will graft hard defensively.
I think a midfield two of Sawyers and Krov would allow teams to walk through our middle, and we'd look vulnerable at every attack.
Like you, I'm no fan of Livermore, but until such time as we have an 'improved' version of Livermore, Jake stays in for me.
Sawyers and Krov would be a disaster as a pair.
Christ Jacko, thats a recipe for suicide. Sawyers does not tackle. Krov certainly does not look like the type of player who will graft hard defensively.
I think a midfield two of Sawyers and Krov would allow teams to walk through our middle, and we'd look vulnerable at every attack.
Like you, I'm no fan of Livermore, but until such time as we have an 'improved' version of Livermore, Jake stays in for me.
Sawyers and Krov would be a disaster as a pair.
Good Impact today.
Him and Pereira link up so well when on together because their actual ability and football brain is miles ahead of anyone else on this squad and a lot of British players. Neither would look out of place in a upper half Prem team with better players around themI think you are right technically, but the prem is still a physical challenge which may be above them, more so krov form what i have seen.
Has made a real impact in last two games coming off the bench. Real food for thought given the upcoming suspensions. As others have said he is not a midfield enforcer but must play surely.If he doesn't get a start this time, his head could well drop, he at least deserves to be "first reserve" if he's going to be a supersub most of the time - even if DM isn't really his position. Sawyers can't tackle for toffee anyway, and we would expect to be on the front foot at home.
I think you are right technically, but the prem is still a physical challenge which may be above them, more so krov form what i have seen.Was in Lisbon 2 weeks ago and went to watch Benfica v Rio Ave. We were all shocked at the lack of physical contact and effort put into the game. Benfica strolled to victory. If that is the environment he has grown up in then the championship and Prem will be a total shock and be a big adjustment.
Was in Lisbon 2 weeks ago and went to watch Benfica v Rio Ave. We were all shocked at the lack of physical contact and effort put into the game. Benfica strolled to victory. If that is the environment he has grown up in then the championship and Prem will be a total shock and be a big adjustment.
I think you are right technically, but the prem is still a physical challenge which may be above them, more so krov form what i have seen.We’re judging him at Championship level. Quickness of thought and action is what matters in the Premier.
Any chance of sending him back in Jan and getting half a million back?Ridiculous
Any chance of sending him back in Jan and getting half a million back?
Any chance of sending him back in Jan and getting half a million back?
Any chance of sending him back in Jan and getting half a million back?
Any chance of sending him back in Jan and getting half a million back?
Yes, if we could get half a million back. If we cannot find better in Jan then we need to look harder.
Whatever position he plays he isn't good enough in it to retain his place.
A very average player imo.
Any chance of sending him back in Jan and getting half a million back?Wow
Wow100%
He played a blinder today ,under the circumstances ,and is head and shoulders above most in this division and probably in the top 10%, technically, that we've had in the past 10 years. The fact that he's not a regular is more testament to the players around him.
Best player on the books technically, a bit lightweight but a run of games and this guy will be more valuable than Periera
Against Stoke and Hull he was superb when he came and controlled the midfield to see out the game.
Despite winning the ball for HRKs goal I think we saw playing deeper didn't suit Krovinovic , got a fair battering second half and physically struggled IMO .Still not sold on him , weak and nothing from him .
Not fully sold on him yet.
?????isn't up to physical battle, to slow on ball and hant got a pass in him.
Why him ? All the midfield was poor
Paul. You find a scapegoat every season. You can't deny that.
Still not sold on him , weak and nothing from him .pushing our best player out wide is enough for me for this bloke to sling his hook
Even worse when Pereira has to be out wide.
pushing our best player out wide is enough for me for this bloke to sling his hook
isn't up to physical battle, to slow on ball and hant got a pass in him.
Don't you remember Valero ?yes I do and like Flip not suited to English game
To say to terminate his loan in January makes no sense at all
yes I do and like Flip not suited to English game
Valero would of been fine in England if used correctly. That's a reason alone to keep patient.one season was enough for Valero and he realised that his game wasn't suitable for the prem league.
I think yesterday proved that he is a CDM not a CAM. He'd be useful when Sawyers is not available and play in the role that Sawyers does. Sit him next to Jake and he'd be fine.
Glad he got off the mark, was a good finish. Didn't have his best game.Thought he had a good game, the amount of people that moaned because he didn’t hit the shot first time 😂
At a young age and have to be patient imo. If he was available for under 5m I'd buy him and look to develop him. Has time on his side.
Under £3m and i'd consider him as a squad player. Can't believe he's only 24 myself.
Agree, seems to have faded rather badly. You would be looking at him to impress when he gets his chance but doesn't.He’s a very tidy central midfielder
Seems to me that he holds on to the ball for too long, he didn't do that in pre-season or early season. I think he's lacking in confidence rather than a bad player.Same problem Barry had vs boro, win ball....no one shows for it
Always seems to want an extra touch and then gets knocked off the ball by bigger boys
Not good enough even at championship level. May prosper in Portugal where you have more time on the ball. Totally underwhelmed with him.He is the main reason for Rekeem Harper not getting a look-in, and he is not very good in my humble.
He is the main reason for Rekeem Harper not getting a look-in, and he is not very good in my humble.
No Harper is the reason Harper isnt getting a look in. I've watched him in the U23's and he definitely doesn't deserve to be part of the first team squad.So have I , and I beg to differ. The club went to great lengths to get him to sign a contract, and now seems to be punishing him.
So have I , and I beg to differ. The club went to great lengths to get him to sign a contract, and now seems to be punishing him.from what I’ve heard it’s because we have to pay for each appearance Willock makes. So original plan was keep in u23’s for 6 months to assess him, buy him and then put into the first team. Whether that’s still the case I don’t know.
Bilic has given favour to his signing's and Filip has been poor after a promising start. Incidentally, if you have watched the under 23's can you explain to me, how come Willock has not made the bench either?
Was through on goal, took an extra touch and the chance was gone, not convinced, gives the ball away dangerously too often.Yes, he should have just hit it first time, he was close enough to just let it come off his foot.
I thought he got bullied a lot yesterday and went down way too easily. A lot of our moves broke down once he was mugged. There is no doubt that he is skilful, if he could stay on his feet more then we would have a good player on our hands, but there is better out there.
Got his chance yesterday but seems to lack that bit of pace and power needed to be a creative force. Compare that (unfairly i know) with the way Pereira can break away from the opposition, and also the way he can draw a foul. A neat and tidy midfielder who can come in and help keep possession but in no way a creative force in this league. We do need someone who can step into Pereira's role but he is a bit of a one off, and can't imagine the recruitment team have got too many of his quality in their sites.Any one at any level will tell you that being in / out / sub on for 10 / in in a different position/out /out/ in it is extremely hard to not only look good , but just to play your normal game
I thought he got bullied a lot yesterday and went down way too easily. A lot of our moves broke down once he was mugged. There is no doubt that he is skilful, if he could stay on his feet more then we would have a good player on our hands, but there is better out there.
When he first arrived he was sold as another version of Luca Modric, his more famous Croatian counterpart. But Modric is a much more vigorous, tenacious player, whilst not being a big man. Somebody needs to give him some special weight training to make him physically more resilient. Then, you could have a player fully worth a place in the starting eleven.Agree with this. He's not scared to put himself about and put the yards in, he just lacks physical strength, both on the ball and in the tackle and he's not quite clever, or good enough to compensate. Needs to build, both physically and mentally, if he can, he might lace Luca's boots.
I maintain that technically he is the best player at the club, it is unrealistic to think he can morph into a British style player in 5 months, yes I acknowledge that other players come ready equipped for the rigours of our game (Periera !) but they also come with a price tag to matchYes
If we keep faith and get a full close season into him he will be a very good player next season, IMO
Another player in my opiniom who needs to "muscle in" a bit and stop those "fairy" dives.Are you just using that line on every player thread?
Are you just using that line on every player thread?
I maintain that technically he is the best player at the club, it is unrealistic to think he can morph into a British style player in 5 months, yes I acknowledge that other players come ready equipped for the rigours of our game (Periera !) but they also come with a price tag to match
If we keep faith and get a full close season into him he will be a very good player next season, IMO
Technically he’s a very good player. He just seems a bit too lightweight for the rough and tumble of the Championship. If we go up I’d hope we look to sign him as think he do well in the Premier.
Agreed. I think some of our squad could actually look better in the premier league. Apart from his sending off I thought Ajayi looked great, and both Sawyers and krovinovic will both look better in the premier league too in my view.
Let's not forget Krov didnt have the opposition targeting him with two / three players set up to stop him like Pereira is currently having to deal with.Completly agree. He was unmarked today and had time to pick his passes. Contrast that with how Stoke set up against Pereira and Sawyers. They never had a moment.
He played well today but was given the freedom of the park primarily by Sanchez who must be close to being the worst midfielder in the Premier League.
I’ve said befor he is the best “footballer†we currently have.As good as he was Yesterday lets see him do it week in and week out in the bread and butter games before we get too carried away.
The way he has been in / out and generally under/misused is bad ...
He will be crucial,in the second part of this season and if used correctly I’d be amazed if not made a permanent move .
As good as he was Yesterday lets see him do it week in and week out in the bread and butter games before we get too carried away.That’s my point, he needs a run
He’s a fantastic footballer, should have been used a lot more earlier in the season
One of positives is that he had maybe his best game for us tonight. Was in the game throughout and used the ball well, but he should have got shot on target from Phillips run and cross.
Is there an option to put Krov next to Livermore and take Sawyers out for a few games? He wasn't great when playing that position in December but worth another go?Got steamed over by a very physical Sheffield Wednesday side , suspect he'll start at Millwall with Pereira shunted wide .
Got steamed over by a very physical Sheffield Wednesday side , suspect he'll start at Millwall with Pereira shunted wide .
Is it just me or does he go down a little bit easier than he should... then gets nothing from the refs at this level.
Definitely not just you, he is frustratingly lightweight.
He goes down too easily from physical challenges. This may because he has learned to play for free kicks in Portugal where the refs were more willing to give them. Modric looks definitey a more vigorous and tenacious player, battler if you like, even though he is not a big man. Krovinovic needs to build his body strength so he is able to withstand challenges. Then you could have a very useful all round midfielder.
in his last two games he has shown signs that he can mix it as he now chases down the perpetrators of perceived fouls on him, so perhaps he is getting to grips with the physicality of our leagueI really hope so, because he has such quality
He brought the ball down twice on Saturday with exquisite control in that the ball seemed to be glued to his foot. No bouncing away from him and then he was able to move the ball on or take on his man.That ability to bring the ball under control quickly is an important skill that not all "footballers" have. Krov has a good touch whilst Pereira is the benchmark in the team. There are a couple of our players who have an appalling first touch. They need 2 or 3 players touches to get the ball under control and their touch is so heavy that they can't time the pass accurately.
Last 3 games in particular he's really stepped it up. Everyone knows he's always been technically good but it seems he's started to adapt to the English game more of late.
Have we got an option to buy?
We don't. I asked that of Madely after the game.Promotion would unlock the finances to buy him.
Have we got an option to buy?
I think he has shown in recent games how he has adapted, he looks happy and confident, great because it gives us options just where we need them.
Hes got 2 years left at Benfica when this season ends. Could get him for around 3/4M i reckon.
He did his ACL last year and I imagine recovering from such a serious injury coupled with moving to a very different style of league, one far more physical, will have taken a massive amount adjustment for him and now he's showing promising signs that he is getting there. Sometimes he does look a bit lightweight but he clearly has a lot of technical ability and he seems to very well liked by his team-mates and behaves like he is a permanent player. It hasn't helped his cause that Pereira is probably the most gifted player in the league and plays in the same position.I think that's probably a key point regarding recovery from his injury. There's no doubt he's looked physically stronger and quicker these last 4 games than he did previously. Hopefully he can now continue this progress and be a key player in the remaining games.
£10-£15m, yeah, we should sign him. We know what we're getting, we know how he plays, there's not many better players out there at that cost. The number of Periera's available are pretty slim.I agree, we should go for him pretty seriously. He has some weaknesses, but we know exactly what we would be getting and he would need no settling in time.
I'd like a loan to permanent deal if we go up, but with no obligation to buy.
Why would Benfica agree to that?
Why would Benfica agree to that?
Would Filip agree to that?
He's been here a season,long enough to make our minds up on him.
If I was Filip, I'd be saying 'do you want to sign me or not?'
He isn't worth £10m, I'd say no more than £5 million., better options out there. We got pereira for £9m.
Some will think I’m mad but he is actually a better footballer than Pererira...there I’ve said it.
They are, but if we could only buy one I’m with Krov all day
They are slightly different types of player. Both are Premier League quality though. Krov was MOTM by an absolute street tonight and he only played half an hour.
This, lad has come on know end since the start of the season. We definitely need to look at signing him permanently if go up.
I think we should make every effort to sign both Filip, and Grady.
https://instagram.com/stories/filipkrovinovic/2257493259554452712?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igshid=1nvthr5mi8gl
I think we can safely say Krov is keen on staying
What's it say, I don't have Instagram.basically him linking all the stories that are suggesting Albion should get him signed up.
Some will think I’m mad but he is actually a better footballer than Pererira...there I’ve said it.
By the end of the season it may well be more a case of "if we can get him" rather than "if we want him" if he carries on improving.The nationality of our Head Coach will be a big help.
The nationality of our Head Coach will be a big help.
That little cameo against Newcastle could unfortunately generate interest from elsewhere
A Newcastle fan mate of mine messaged me after saying "that Krovinovic looks some player!" and I thought the exact same as you.
We were previously discussing whether we would pay £10m-£15m for him but if we do want him our hand may be forced by other interest in terms of what we pay.
He seems to be adapting to
the physical side of the game better now.
Well worth trying to keep him
There was a young man from Zagreb,
....
There was a young man from ZagrebThere was a young man from Zagreb
Who's been seen many times on the web
His legs were as hard as rock
There was a young man from Zagreb
Who's been seen many times on the web
His legs were as hard as rock
He makes the midfield tick tock
Benfica want 10m euro which is about £8.35 million. I'd go for that. I said i thought he'd be around 8m, 8.35 is close enough.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-star-who-could-17927245 (https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-star-who-could-17927245)
€10m? Should be all over that like a panic buyer on a 16pack of andrex. Great price, good age for potential resale value.
My only concern (and it's not solely on Krov) is that if we simply convert our loans and in doing so, spend a good chunk of next season's money are we actuall improving or just treading water?
To get Krov and Pereira for 16.5m combined is good business and we have a transfer surplus from this season as well to add to whatever funds if we go up.
Needs to be a regular starter. Drop Livermore, Sawyers or HRK for him. Too good to be left out.
Totally agree about Phillips.
Agreed. It was absolutely ridiculous to leave him out. I wouldn't be happy if I were him.
I thought we'd seen the last of the likes of Phillips as a regular starter but no, Bilic has gone back to square one. Disappointed with that team selection today I expected better from Slaven.
Shocking that he didn't get in first team playing some good football before breakNot really just a break though, was it?
He has been a revelation since Christmas. Quite a clever player in all fairness to him. I really hope we have had some dialogue with Benfica about taking him permanently.
He has been a revelation since Christmas. Quite a clever player in all fairness to him. I really hope we have had some dialogue with Benfica about taking him permanently.
Krovinovic is a good player but like everyone he needs the right players around him and he needs to play within a team that compliments his talents.Physically pathetic , technically good but not brilliant.
Should definitely sign him.
Physically pathetic , technically good but not brilliant.
He's a real problem as to where to play him and not suited to this division.
Physically pathetic , technically good but not brilliant.
He's a real problem as to where to play him and not suited to this division.
I don't agree. If you slotted him into the Leeds or Brentford team he'd look serious. Our team has too many touch players and no-one eve5r running away from him.Leeds player are strong , even the short ones . They are also pretty quick .
Leeds player are strong , even the short ones . They are also pretty quick .
Krov isn't any if the above
I expect we will sign him on a permanent deal but I think it will be a risky move if the fee is too high. Questionable if he is anything more than a Championship Play off challenger level player.
He did look very good vs Newcastle though and Morrison always looked better in the prem. might be an ok back up for Pereira.
I think some of you guys need to check Premiership transfer fees for a bit of a reality check. £8-£9m doesn't really get you much now, certainly won't get you players that as integral to the team like Krov\Robinson\Diangana have been. You're looking at £15-£20m for a decent Prem player these days. Periera was a freak find.
Pereira also cost 8m. There are still decent deals out there if you have a bit of nous. Sheffield United are reportedly closing in for John Swift for 3.5m for example who has been far better this year than Krovinovic, and they play in the same position.
If we decide to spend our entire budget accumulating players who did not even star in the championship, we might as well wave the white flag now. Ask yourself this, if a 1.5m midfielder from league one had put in Krovinovic's performances this year, would anyone be particularly hyped about them?
Why would we be spending out entire budget? We've got to replace Krov with someone as he's on loan. And yes, I know we signed Periera for £8m but he's the rarest of rare cases. We're simply not going to sign a bunch of Periera's on bargain money.
Let's look at some of last summer's transfers....
Aston Villa, currently 17th.
Heaton, £8m
Nakamba, £11m
Luiz, £15m
Trezeguet, £8.5m
Targett, £11m
Wesley, £22m
Konsa, £12m
Mings, £20m
Bournemouth, currently 19th
Kelly, £13m
Stacey, £4m
Billing, £15m
Danjuma, £13.7m
Brighton, currently 16th
Trossard, £15m
Webster, £20m
Maupay, £20m
Everton, currently 11th
Gomes, £22m
Iwobi, £35m
Newcastle, currently 13th
Joelinton, £40m
Saint-Maximin, £20m
Norwich, bottom
Byram, £750k
Southamptom, currently 12th
Che Adams, £15m
Djenepo, £15m
Watford, currently 18th
Sarr - £30m
Dawson - £5.5m
West Ham, currently 15th
Ajeti, £8m
Fornals, £24m
Haller, £45m
That's just a quick run down of transfer fees of teams in the bottom half.
Signing players who are going to be improvements on players like Krov\Diangana\Robinson, for "£8-9m" is going to be next to impossible. Note, I'm not saying it is completely impossible but the odds are stacked massively against us! If it was so easy then why aren't other clubs just doing that?
Most of those players are rubbish. Maupay, Saint-Maximin, Heaton and Che Adams are the only ones that are premier league standard / potential. The rest are poor players who attracted massively over inflated transfer fees. Just goes to show how easy it is to spend big on junk if you're not careful.
Why would we be spending out entire budget? We've got to replace Krov with someone as he's on loan. And yes, I know we signed Periera for £8m but he's the rarest of rare cases. We're simply not going to sign a bunch of Periera's on bargain money.
Let's look at some of last summer's transfers....
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/07/23/slaven-bilic-grabbed-west-brom-collar-brought-baggies-back-premier/
The fee is in the middle of £5-7m I would like to pay, so hopefully it happens at the reported £6m.
Can't see the full article as need a subscription
£6million seems an awful lot of money in a post COVID world on a player who has not exactly set the championship alight..
Indeed, Percy reports we have just over 20m.....if we're spending over a quarter of our budget on a player who wasn't good enough to start regularly in the championship we're going to run into problems. Essentially it seems 2/3 of our budget could be gone just buying Robinson and Krovinovic.
Indeed, Percy reports we have just over 20m.....if we're spending over a quarter of our budget on a player who wasn't good enough to start regularly in the championship we're going to run into problems. Essentially it seems 2/3 of our budget could be gone just buying Robinson and Krovinovic.
1 we aren't buying robinson
2 Id love to know how Jon percy knows our exact budget when Billic hasn't even met with the board to discuss next season yet. Amazing how percy knows before Billic does. Let's wait and see.
1 we aren't buying robinson
2 Id love to know how Jon percy knows our exact budget when Billic hasn't even met with the board to discuss next season yet. Amazing how percy knows before Billic does. Let's wait and see.
£6million seems an awful lot of money in a post COVID world on a player who has not exactly set the championship alight..
??? Didn’t Ferguson go for nothing in the end as his contract had run out and he wouldn’t sign a new one with us?
??? Didn’t Ferguson go for nothing in the end as his contract had run out and he wouldn’t sign a new one with us?
Percy has no idea of the budget. One thing for certain is that £20m won't be enough. £8m on Periera, leaves us £12m. That won't even get us a half decent striker. Let's say it does, then we need to replace how many players on frees and loans?Agree that the Percy doesn’t know....it’s not like he has papers and advertising space to sell 😄
I'm not so sure about us not signing Robinson. Look at his celebrations and and when asked about his future Livermore side whispered "be careful" to him.
Just in case anyone is unsure I can categorically state that Albion for a while have had two target lists one for the Championship and one for the Premier League.
The club have had their targets in mind for a while so a fair bit of "homework" will have already been done.
Albion will not release a figure on how much money they are prepared to spend. Any figure bandied about is just guesswork.
Very shrewd if as reported we're trying for another season long loan (hopefully with a similar trigger to Pereira.)
Keeps MP happy, doesn't commit us to anything unless he does well.
Very shrewd if as reported we're trying for another season long loan (hopefully with a similar trigger to Pereira.)
Keeps MP happy, doesn't commit us to anything unless he does well.
Very shrewd if as reported we're trying for another season long loan (hopefully with a similar trigger to Pereira.)Never been quite sold on him so yes , a very clever move.
Keeps MP happy, doesn't commit us to anything unless he does well.
Very shrewd if as reported we're trying for another season long loan (hopefully with a similar trigger to Pereira.)
Keeps MP happy, doesn't commit us to anything unless he does well.
The loan particularly if backed up with the option to buy is fairly astute. We can only have 5 loanees in a matchday squad and while I think we will use the loan market I doubt we will pushing that limit.
I like the player in general but I am not entirely sure how he fits in with the rest of the midfield. While the 3 man midfield double 8 behind a front 3 worked reasonably well in the Championship I think it might need tweaking in the Premier League and what Krovinovic's role would be in it is debatable and a long term commitment might not be ideal for a player who might not wind up being a regular starter.
All seems to have gone quiet on the Krovinovic front.And you think they forgot to update until you asked ?😂
Anyone heard if anything is happening?
🧐
All seems to have gone quiet on the Krovinovic front.there was talk that a deal was agreed and he was over for a medical , but he’s since posted a workout pic on Instagram and he’s still very much in Portugal.
Anyone heard if anything is happening?
🧐
Thanks Bradley...What makes you think there is any motivation from within ANY club to update supporters on potential transfer deals....especially when there are no season tickets to sell?
As I do not subscribe to Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat etc etc, some information may have been gleaned from those sources hence my post and not a question of me personally asking for unsolicited updates.
With no updates one wonders if a deal of some sort is still on the cards.
Krovs put up a pic of him just at the Lisbon Airport so he's off somewhere.
Any body seen him in McDonal'syetAldi Great Barr. Bought 3 Cornettos, 1 for him, 1 for Matty and 1 for Grady. :D
What makes you think there is any motivation from within ANY club to update supporters on potential transfer deals....especially when there are no season tickets to sell?
Any body seen him in McDonal'syetThe Irish burger bar ?
Did I say any club Zippy?No I did .
Did I ask for ANY club to keep me/us updated?
No, all I asked was had anyone heard anything - rumours or Twitter posts etc etc
If you read my post you may understand!
It is exactly the point Zippy.
For example, Krov Tweeted a pic of himself at Lisbon Airport which suggested he’s probably coming back to the UK and hopefully sign for us.
That’s the point.... it’s not the club, it’s other sources which I do not or may not,subscribe to.
For some reason there's folk who seem desperate to appear ITK, especially on Twitter. They'll post vague things in the hope it'll turn out to be true. Like we know Krov is interested, we also know it's the weekend and international break. So you end up eith "Krov deal is still on, discussions nearly finalised, medical due early next week and announcement to follow".
If he signs it'll be "yes, see, I'm right", if he doesn't, "it fell through at the 11th hour".
It is exactly the point Zippy.It suggested he was at an airport.....even though it wasn’t an airport it was a train station....and even if it was, it’s a stretch to say it suggests he’s going to England?
For example, Krov Tweeted a pic of himself at Lisbon Airport which suggested he’s probably coming back to the UK and hopefully sign for us.
That’s the point.... it’s not the club, it’s other sources which I do not or may not,subscribe to.
Looks like he will have to isolate for 14 days if he comes. That's assuming he is still in Portugal.Yes, if he is in Portugal at the moment.
West Brom want £5.4m loan-to-buy deal for player training away from team-mates – reportHopefully we can conclude a deal around £5m.
He could be back in time for the Leicester game
Source: https://www.westbromnews.co.uk/2020/09/08/west-brom-want-5-4m-loan-to-buy-deal-for-player-training-away-from-team-mates-report/
Steve Madeley from The Athletic has said this morning there is interest in Krov from PAOK and Shakhtar and other clubs in England but his preference is WBA.
Won't help with price...
For me despite what SB said, this one should be well on the back burner until we've got at least Grant in.
Pretty sure we can concentrate on more than one signing at once.
Pretty sure we can concentrate on more than one signing at once.
Steve Madeley from The Athletic has said this morning there is interest in Krov from PAOK and Shakhtar and other clubs in England but his preference is WBA.
Krovs now a low priority unfortunately. As Jacko said need CG in first and at least 1 striker. Especially since we've allocated funds to the resigning of Peltier.
Not sure bringing Craig Gardner back is the way forward.
I think Krovi came into his own as the season went on and it's a bit of a cliche but, much like Sawyers, i believe he will work well in the Premier League and if we can get Gallagher in too then it's looking much healthier in midfield.I agree, he was still coming back from a nasty injury, and I said at the time it looked like he was sometimes trying a bit too hard, but he seemed to have the measure of things more towards the end of the season - event though the team as a whole were stuttering
I think Krovi came into his own as the season went on and it's a bit of a cliche but, much like Sawyers, i believe he will work well in the Premier League and if we can get Gallagher in too then it's looking much healthier in midfield.
You see, I get what you mean to a point (Krov could suit the prem while Gallagher looks like a prem midfielder in waiting), but it would just leave us with Mowbray's 2008-2009 midfield where Borja Valero was meant to be both the deep lying play maker and defensive midfielder and we just ended up with no bite at all.
Gallagher and Krovinovic are competition for Sawyers and Pereira, not Livermore and Livermore is the one midfielder we really need to put under pressure as whenever he has played prem football regularly he gets relegated.
Totally disagree. Gallagher can easily displace Livermore.
Well at Swansea he played as the most advanced of the midfield 3, with Grimes and Fulton lying deeper, while at Charlton Sam Field/Darren Pratley/Josh Cullen at various times played the deep lying role.
If people feel we can get away with playing a midfield of ball players and don't need a natural defensive midfielder in there, then that's fair enough, but the last time we tried that in the top flight was under Mowbray in 2008/9 and having the extremely gifted Borja Valero there still left us exposed.
If however people think Gallagher can play as a defensive midfielder, i'm really not sure what that belief is being based on, other than blind hope.
Sawyers, not Livermore is the deep lying one, so you've inadvertently proved my point... Gallagher averaged 1.8 tackles a game, slightly less than Jake (2.2). What I found mildly concerning in the stats was that his passing accuracy was only a couple of ticks above Livermore, I'm hoping it's because he tries a far more difficult range of passes.
Sawyers just doesn't offer any defensive protection to the back four. He drops back to collect the ball from the defence - it doesn't make him a defensive midfielder. Genuinely surprised we are debating that one.very true, I’d say he’s a deep lying midfielder, not a defensive midfielder.
Greek side PAOK may just have made the Krovinovic move one step closer. They have knocked Benfica out of the champions league.
A Wolves supporting mirror journalist from around here, Alex Richards, has pointed out that they have spent £72m on transfers this summer and failure to qualify for the champions league will leave a financial black hole for them.
He says it in reference to the fact that Wolves will likely now end up spending some money to take one of their better players off them again, but I think for once it might be us who helps them. I’m sure they will be more likely to come to the table now.
I’m not too fussed by Krov now we likely have Gallagher, but he will probably end up in the barcode stripes soon.
Krovinovic is a waste of a signing. I hope Benfica keep him.
Filip Krovinovic would be a great addition to our squad.
His performance level improved with every full game he played and is a good asset to the dressing room.
Krov, ignore the ‘Richard Head’s’ who are silly Billy’s! 🤪
I fear Krovinovic would get physically beat much like Koren did in the top flight years ago , no issue on another loan but really any money we have now needs to be focused on forwards especially if CG comes in from Chelsea.
At least Robert Koren could score goals. Filip Krovinovic could barely get his shots anywhere near on target.
So we have Baggie82 with Hegazi and now you with Krovinovic.
It's funny how different people see different things. Still that's what a forum is all about, varying opinions.
Shame you two are both wrong. 😎.
Exactly, but Dwight Gayle on the left though :P ;) ?
Dont know what you mean. 😊
So we have Baggie82 with Hegazi and now you with Krovinovic.
It's funny how different people see different things. Still that's what a forum is all about, varying opinions.
Shame you two are both wrong. 😎.
If we get Connor Gallagher, then I would shelve Krov and concentrate on 2 new fullbacks and two strikers, subject to offloading Gibbs (asap please God) and Zohore or Austin.
Gibbs is going nowhere we've received no interest.
There is still time of course, but not likely.
I don't really think Bilic's constant media briefs about Krovinovic are helping our negotiating position. He keeps saying how much he wants him and how annoyed he would be if he doesn't end up here, but at this point Benfica are asking for silly money for one of their reserve players.
Why should we oay £10m for a bloke they don't want?
I don't really think Bilic's constant media briefs about Krovinovic are helping our negotiating position. He keeps saying how much he wants him and how annoyed he would be if he doesn't end up here, but at this point Benfica are asking for silly money for one of their reserve players.
Why should we oay £10m for a bloke they don't want?
Sorry but of all our priorities, this is the lowest. Whatever we pay for Krov should only be sanctioned if it has no impact whatsoever on our ability to sign strikers.
As nice a player he is, he is a luxury and no way he will start week in week out, whatever system we play.
Hopefully this is what's delaying the transfer and we are waiting on other deals to see if there's enough left over for Krov.
Sorry but of all our priorities, this is the lowest. Whatever we pay for Krov should only be sanctioned if it has no impact whatsoever on our ability to sign strikers.
As nice a player he is, he is a luxury and no way he will start week in week out, whatever system we play.
Hopefully this is what's delaying the transfer and we are waiting on other deals to see if there's enough left over for Krov.
The manager who picks the team and the formation strongly disagrees with you.I'm happy for anyone to disagree with me.
The manager who picks the team and the formation strongly disagrees with you.
I'm happy for anyone to disagree with me.
We'll see whether me or Slaven are right, if Krov starts every week.
So Benfica want 9m
We want to pay 5.4m
Solution!
Ask Lai for that money he owes the club.
OR
Get Slav, Pereira and Diang to cough up the difference :)
Sorted... Next???
Slav is obviously NOT a negotiator!
With all the praise he is heaping on Krovinovic, he is only increasing the fee and the determination of Benfica to hold out for that top price. He should never make his true feelings known and even seem to be disinterested to cause them to wobble.
This thread's echoing a lot.
It would seem that Benfica are pulling bids off the wall. Getafe and Bologna are apparently interested in signing Krovinovic. Yes Bologna the team with the one of biggest squads in Serie A that has just the 10 central midfielders. For sure there is plenty of scope for trading but a £10m transfer isn't happening there.
Getafe more likely but I absolutely wouldn't peg Krovinovic as an obvious recruit nor the club as one of those that will be comfortable splashing around £10m in fees.
I am perplexed as to why Bilic is so determined to sign him whatever is in the budget needs to go on forward options and even go as far to suggest that another left back might be higher priority
It would seem that Benfica are pulling bids off the wall. Getafe and Bologna are apparently interested in signing Krovinovic. Yes Bologna the team with the one of biggest squads in Serie A that has just the 10 central midfielders. For sure there is plenty of scope for trading but a £10m transfer isn't happening there.I said last week about the grant transfer...Slav being publicly grumpy helps no on other than the selling team.
Getafe more likely but I absolutely wouldn't peg Krovinovic as an obvious recruit nor the club as one of those that will be comfortable splashing around £10m in fees.
I am perplexed as to why Bilic is so determined to sign him whatever is in the budget needs to go on forward options and even go as far to suggest that another left back might be higher priority
I think Krov is important for the team spirit Bllic is building. Its clear he fits in well within the group, especially keeping Pereira happy.
It is an awkward one for the club. I don't love Dowling as i've made it clear on here, but he is in a tough situation.
Krov had a positive but limited impact last season as a squad player. He is clearly well liked by many members of the squad (Pereira obviously as well as Diangana, Robinson, O'Shea etc). He also showed signs vs West Ham and Newcastle in the FA cuo that he could make the transiton and he has similarities in style to Jimmy Morrison - another player who looked more comfortable vs Premier league opposition than in the Championship.
The club are however being "held to ransom" by Benfica for a squad player they have no plans to use. He is not even close to the Croatia national team and should ne worth at most £5-£6m in this market. The club went out and brought in a superior upgrade in Connor Gallagher and our limited budget is needed for a new striker.
I think Bilic would be better off saying nothing and hoping Benfica blink near the end of the transfer window.
I'd like Krov back, but more for squad harmony than for him being a key signing.
That's not worth millions of pounds.If he helped keep Pereira at the club, it might be.
If he helped keep Pereira at the club, it might be.
Seems Krov is not coming back then
🙄
What makes you say that, then?
What makes you say that, then?
Probably because its taking about 25 years to get him in
For a PL club we're ridiculous. I know we have to be careful not to overspend and all that you do have to speculate to some extent. It's not as if Krov is going to cost 20 mil.
Stop fannying about and get it done Albion.
Not if they are still wanting £10m Thank you very much. . I'd rather wait till 2 minutes before closing time and pay the going rate
Actual closing time or is there a 'Last Orders' window as well?
Not if they are still wanting £10m Thank you very much. . I'd rather wait till 2 minutes before closing time and pay the going rate or not at all.
Yes but we've already lost six potential points. By then we could've lost 9, 12, 15? (Havent looked how many games before window closes but you get my drift)
In one or two of those matches Krov might have contributed to a couple of points that may be the difference between survival and relegation.
I dont believe in a "going rate" either, any player is worth what someone is prepared to spend.
Like most pubs they'll tell you last orders are at 9 but be quick enough to pull a final pint when you wave the cash at 5 to ten. And if they say NO well sod em as there will be a few cans in the fridge, might not be quite as good but will do a job.“Sky Sports understand #WBA trying to get a 4 pack of Bierra Moretti in,proving difficult as they want loan with £3:95 option....West Ham are monitoring “
“Sky Sports understand #WBA trying to get a 4 pack of Bierra Moretti in,proving difficult as they want loan with £3:95 option....West Ham are monitoring “
Like most pubs they'll tell you last orders are at 9 but be quick enough to pull a final pint when you wave the cash at 5 to ten. And if they say NO well sod em as there will be a few cans in the fridge, might not be quite as good but will do a job.
Well we ain't prepared to spend £10 million and rightly so.
Firstly neither Albion nor Benfica have put figures in the public domain, so anything printed isnt to be taken at face value.
Secondly paying an extra million or two is well worth the reward if it means staying in the Premier League.
If we are that concerned about relatively piddling amounts of money then we should have been actively trying to sell on players like Phillips, Bartley, RKanu, Austin in this transfer window. Also we should not have signed one potentially for the future (Kipre), which clearly didnt overly impress Bilic.
The argument whether or not we should have signed Diangana as another wide man is one for another day.
All in all I'm not overly impressed with our business in this window up to now. Primarily because we're not shifting out the dead wood like we should be. Everyone concentrates on incomings, nobody seems to care about shifting out players that are past their sell by date / not good enough whilst extracting wages from us. Someone, somewhere would buy one or two of them if we were circulating their availability around.
I think the stone cold fact are that no one wants to take the likes of Phillips/Austin/HRK/Zohore/Bartley when, if true, their wages are circa £40k to £50k per week.
I fear that we are stuck with them
I think that's exactly it. Clubs are tightening their belts, so taking on ageing players on high wages is just not going to happen. The best we can hope for is loans with us paying half or even more.
Firstly neither Albion nor Benfica have put figures in the public domain, so anything printed isnt to be taken at face value.And i think there is the problem regarding moving them on. The additional factor being that they are now all on promotion based salaries kerching!! Any club who would be at a level to want these players would need to have at least 50% of the wages paid by us to make it financially viable.
Secondly paying an extra million or two is well worth the reward if it means staying in the Premier League.
If we are that concerned about relatively piddling amounts of money then we should have been actively trying to sell on players like Phillips, Bartley, RKanu, Austin in this transfer window. Also we should not have signed one potentially for the future (Kipre), which clearly didnt overly impress Bilic.
The argument whether or not we should have signed Diangana as another wide man is one for another day.
All in all I'm not overly impressed with our business in this window up to now. Primarily because we're not shifting out the dead wood like we should be. Everyone concentrates on incomings, nobody seems to care about shifting out players that are past their sell by date / not good enough whilst extracting wages from us. Someone, somewhere would buy one or two of them if we were circulating their availability around.
Firstly neither Albion nor Benfica have put figures in the public domain, so anything printed isnt to be taken at face value.If I felt Krov was going to be the difference between staying in the PL and relegation then i would be all over the extra couple of million but alas i don't think he would be even if we stumped up.
Secondly paying an extra million or two is well worth the reward if it means staying in the Premier League.
If we are that concerned about relatively piddling amounts of money then we should have been actively trying to sell on players like Phillips, Bartley, RKanu, Austin in this transfer window. Also we should not have signed one potentially for the future (Kipre), which clearly didnt overly impress Bilic.
The argument whether or not we should have signed Diangana as another wide man is one for another day.
All in all I'm not overly impressed with our business in this window up to now. Primarily because we're not shifting out the dead wood like we should be. Everyone concentrates on incomings, nobody seems to care about shifting out players that are past their sell by date / not good enough whilst extracting wages from us. Someone, somewhere would buy one or two of them if we were circulating their availability around.
Think he would walk into our midfield at the moment but that doesn't say much about us at the moment
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eil1PMzXsAAsYJi?format=jpg&name=large
Sorry not very good at this lark.
Yeah this sounds like a good deal for all parties. If Krov is as good as Benfica think he is then they will get their 10m
50/50 on this, a loan without any fixed purchase price. It means if he is a rip-roaring success that £10m price will double when we try to buy him next sumner. Obviously has the advantage of getting him in without paying anything this season which should free up funds elsewhere.
50/50 on this, a loan without any fixed purchase price. It means if he is a rip-roaring success that £10m price will double when we try to buy him next sumner. Obviously has the advantage of getting him in without paying anything this season which should free up funds elsewhere.
Not sure we'll get him in without paying anything, there will still be a loan fee to pay.
Rumours going round now in Twitter he will have signed on loan by the weekend.
...
Need to ship a few out
Here in Portugal it’s being reported as a done deal. One year loan with no option to buy. We wanted to pay €6m and they wanted €10m.
I think it’s a great deal for us as Bilic really wants him and is likely the player he refers to being better suited to the Prem.
Agree that this frees up some cash to get the Grant deal over the line and hopefully another striker on loan.
Need to ship a few out
Hopefully the money they were putting to one side for Krovs deal can now be included in a deal to get a striker in.
I think this is where the Albion have had to gamble. Bilic wants him back, we have to trust our manager.
If we can be creative with our loans it may mean weve freed up the extra few million towards Grant.
Personally im happy to see Krov back, I think he will be excellent this year
I think this is where the Albion have had to gamble. Bilic wants him back, we have to trust our manager.
If we can be creative with our loans it may mean weve freed up the extra few million towards Grant.
Personally im happy to see Krov back, I think he will be excellent this year
If only. Not many clubs in EFL have any money and the likes of Zohore and Austin are on wages they can't afford. USA?
Athletic just confirmed what I posted yesterday. Straight loan no option to buy. Happy with that. Deal close.
Me too mate. I popped some stats on the transfer thread that last season we were much better when he was in the team compared to when he wasn’t.
Happy with the loan deal too, and if he does perform I’m sure the club will be inclined to pay the 10million next summer, a successful loan would more than likely mean we stay up.
Tidy footballer but in the same mould as Sawyers, should be looking for striker's got plenty options in midfield.
If we get Krov in and 2 more strikers we have chance
If Bilic has a blind spot (what am I saying, "if"?) it's that he likes a baller. That is, a player who likes the ball at his feet and can do something with it.
Is Krov going to solve our midfield problem? No. Is he going to get us a load of extra goals from midfield? Probably not. Is he another tidy central mid who can play as a 6, and 8 or a 10, but not really excel at any? Absolutely.
Joe Chapman
@ChapmanJ92
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10m
Replying to
@ChapmanJ92
As regards to Krovinovic playing again for Albion, it looks unlikely that it'd be this side of the international break. Deal can/will be done earlier, but training/quarantining means it'd likely be a few weeks before we saw him. #wba
If Bilic has a blind spot (what am I saying, "if"?) it's that he likes a baller. That is, a player who likes the ball at his feet and can do something with it. ........
From what I’ve read MarkW the deal with Benfica is another season-long loan only. If it doesn’t work out (which I suspect it won’t) he goes back to Benfica and we’re not stuck with him on a 2, 3, 4 or 5 year contract 🤞🏻
Liking footballers who can play football isn't a blindspot. It's an essential requirement for managers who like their outfield players to play football. I'm more concerned that our first choice goalkeeper is openly nervous and analy incontinent when footballs fly in his general direction, sometimes at speed. Give me a footballer who plays with the ball at his feet over a goalkeeper who struggles with hand eye coordination every day of the week :D ;) .
I know you're being facetious, Dan, but given we have a limited budget, should we not be targeting players that give us most bang for our buck? I don't see how Krov gives us much more beyond what we already have.
I think a straight loan is a lot better option than any sort of commitment to buy at this point. I have real doubts as to how Krovinovic fits into the team regardless of how we set up.
Sorry to be a party pooper, I'm a fan of Krov by the way and wish he had played more last year, but, can someone give me a viable and likely starting 11, with him in it, assuming everyone fit?
Sorry to be a party pooper, I'm a fan of Krov by the way and wish he had played more last year, but, can someone give me a viable and likely starting 11, with him in it, assuming everyone fit?
ButtonThat would be my first XI, Robinson on the bench as utility forward.
O'Shea
Hegazi
Ivanovic
Gibbs
Krovinović
Sawyers
Gallagher
Pereira
Grant Robinson
Diangana
Button
O'Shea
Hegazi
Ivanovic
Gibbs
Krovinović
Sawyers
Gallagher
Pereira
Grant Robinson
Diangana
ButtonThis. Except maybe Kipre instead of Hegazi
O'Shea
Hegazi
Ivanovic
Gibbs
Krovinović
Sawyers
Gallagher
Pereira
Grant Robinson
Diangana
This. Except maybe Kipre instead of Hegazi
Kipre instead of Hegazi and a scarecrow instead of Gibbs.
This. Except maybe Kipre instead of HegaziSo kipre over Hegazi, who has suddenly become over semi....?
Sorry to be a party pooper, I'm a fan of Krov by the way and wish he had played more last year, but, can someone give me a viable and likely starting 11, with him in it, assuming everyone fit?
Seems Krov is not coming back then
🙄
A loan to buy at a fixed price now if we stay up and he plays X games would be better.
A loan to buy at a fixed price now if we stay up and he plays X games would be better.
A loan to buy at a fixed price now if we stay up and he plays X games would be better.
ButtonAs much as I would like to see that team, I don't expect it any time soon. Neither Johnstone nor Livermore will be dropped unless injured.
O'Shea
Hegazi
Ivanovic
Gibbs
Krovinović
Sawyers
Gallagher
Pereira
Grant Robinson
Diangana
Krov is technically very good and improved no end as the season went on. Lets not forget he was playing in a new country having come back from injury. I think he'll be well suited to the Prem. He also seems very popular around the team and most importantly it may well keep Pereira happy too.
I keep seeing this injury mentioned. He did it in January 18. He was back involved in Benfica squads by early Nov 18. Yes it’s a bad one and yes it a long time out, but it’s another 9 months on he signs for us. Im not sure how much the injury would still have been affecting him.
And if it is we shouldn't have been using a loan deal up on a player struggling to get back into the game.
The forum has moved on....once it was just full of experts on which players we should / shouldn’t get....now we have been invaded by some investment bankers that have a huge knowledge on the structuring of large financial transactions in the sporting world...I’m looking forward to next year already where each potential purchase has they’re daily calorie intake scrutinised by “Bob from Bilston†😀
Oh I totally get there are some that know finance, but not the ones that just pop up with their own views on how to spend somebody else’s money, when and in what instalments
Think you are being unfair, there are a number of forum members who have a good understanding of accounting processes, and some who are professional traders.
Of those, there are some who also have an understanding of the political implication of our ownership.
Tenacity can be learnt by those willing to learn. Skill on teh ball is a different proposition.If he had been available to Bilic , then Phillips does not get on the pitch, waste of space.
Tick tockwhen was the last time a player was announced on a Sunday?
when was the last time a player was announced on a Sunday?
when was the last time a player was announced on a Sunday?
Keeps Bilic happy and gives him options. With Gallagher here, i'm not really sure where he fits in, but we will see. I just hope he doesn't block Gallagher too much.Agreed or take up too much of the wage bill.
Keeps Bilic happy and gives him options. With Gallagher here, i'm not really sure where he fits in, but we will see. I just hope he doesn't block Gallagher too much.
Think Krovinovoc comes in as an option in a 433 either central or wide. If he does play wide he will need to be more direct for sure.
Krov has suggested in interview that Bilic allows him to change shape and formation, including mid game. He obviously trusts him both tactically and technically and thinks he can have a real impact in the PL.
Signed according to Madeley
"It was only really a formality after last week's breakthrough, but I understand Filip Krovinovic has now signed to rejoin Albion on a season-long loan from Benfica. Now just awaiting final bits of paperwork and a formal announcement. #WBA"
Happy to have him back. But to take 8 weeks just to loan him with no option to buy is borderline terrible. Why didn't we just ask for another loan at the start of August. Now we have a player who's going to need 3+4 weeks to get fit. Mind boggling from the hierarchy.
I actually think he will step up. Be interesting to see where he fits in.
Goalkeeper? ;D
Happy to have him back. But to take 8 weeks just to loan him with no option to buy is borderline terrible. Why didn't we just ask for another loan at the start of August. Now we have a player who's going to need 3+4 weeks to get fit. Mind boggling from the hierarchy.
Presume Filip will have to self isolate for two weeks coming from Portugal unless there are special arrangements for Premier League footballers and, WE ARE PREMIER LEAGUE !!!!
There's possibly a quarantine issue until we can get him into the testing regime even regarding photoshoots etc.??
https://twitter.com/WBA/status/1310866888608677890
Midfield looks pretty sorted now, I'd get Harper out on loan
Midfield looks pretty sorted now, I'd get Harper out on loan
I'm not sure if Gallagher or Krov do much to solve a complete lack of protection our midfield offers but I suspect we probably are done in midfield.
Yeah, I think Gallagher and Krov need to start
https://twitter.com/WBA/status/1310866888608677890
500k loan fee with another 750k on top if we stay up and he starts 18 matches from now until end of season
Chuffed to have him back, gives us more options in the middle of the pitch. Hope he sorts his shooting out, 56 shots and 3 goals, 30% shot accuracy.Not great stats but he tends to have his shots from around the edge of the box...not sure what good stats look like for midfielders shooting from that range.
Not great stats but he tends to have his shots from around the edge of the box...not sure what good stats look like for midfielders shooting from that range.
Bilic did comment that his goal threat was improving as the season went on last year.
You can't help but like the guy
https://twitter.com/WBA/status/1310913897881370626
That's why they'll keep us up!!!
It's absolutely marvellous to see players genuinely loving playing for our club. After the likes of Dawson who couldn't wait to get away guys like Krovi, Robinson, and Matheus are a breath of fresh air.
It's absolutely marvellous to see players genuinely loving playing for our club. After the likes of Dawson who couldn't wait to get away guys like Krovi, Robinson, and Matheus are a breath of fresh air.
Welcome back Flip! We ca enjoy your close control, link play and energy. Anyone who says that the midfield is lightweight has clearly forgotten about Iniesta and Xavi in the middle of the pitch at the Nou Camp.
If correct that is an excellent deal by today's standards.
You can have Iniesta and Xavi in the middle if the other 8 outfield players are also of the same high standard.
Iniesta could also tackle.
It's not so much the number of goals - it's the number of shots he'd launch into row Z, he did it a LOT.I'll give him the benefit of the doubt for now on that....remembering that Brunt used to do that a LOT year in year out ::)
It's absolutely marvellous to see players genuinely loving playing for our club. After the likes of Dawson who couldn't wait to get away guys like Krovi, Robinson, and Matheus are a breath of fresh air.
Great to see Krov back. Gives Billic a slight headache where to play him, but that's good. I think he is more effective in the centre as he hasn't got a wingers ability to get to the byline. Hope Harper doesn't get frozen out, although he has to improve to make a claim for a starting position.
If he'd come on for Robinson instead of Kanu we'd have won.If I'd have come on instead of Kanu we would probably have won.
He's done well since returning.
Is no one going to talk about the control and pass he did for our goal last night? That was pure quality and if Diangana/Perreira did it everyone would be still talking about it.
Not for me at all , physically weak , doesn't release the ball quick enough in good areas and rarely hits the target shooting.
All the above is disguised by the odd good pass and being Pereira's best mate.
I was dead against signing him again and that wage should have been on a ball winner , on Bilic this one.
After Newcastle game I think we can't play Krovinovic and Sawyers in same team. Both players keep the ball and have too many touches before releasing to other player. Both in first 11 give no protection to our back line and its usually one pass and there on to back four.
Reports up here in Nottingham that Forest are interested in signing Krovinovic, which I imagine will mean taking over the second half of his loan. A shame I don't feel he's ever managed to demonstrate his full potential with us, but equally not an Allardyce player so at least it frees up wages to be used elsewhere.
Reports up here in Nottingham that Forest are interested in signing Krovinovic, which I imagine will mean taking over the second half of his loan. A shame I don't feel he's ever managed to demonstrate his full potential with us, but equally not an Allardyce player so at least it frees up wages to be used elsewhere.
Percy says he's on the list but not particularly likely. Someone else much more likely to go to Forest. Grosicky surely?
Forest do want Krov with PAOK but more likely Forest go back in for Grosicki
I would let him go, I like him generally, but in an Allardyce setup I can't see him getting a kick
Krovinovic has good ball control and is able to turn quickly even when surrounded by opposition players. He does get back and defend but under 6' and not a hard tackler so too fancy by far for Allardyce. I think BS should look at someone like Nick Powell of Stoke, fair passer, enthusiastic scrapper and scores the odd goal. Possibly even he's outside our price range and he is under 30.I think we should be careful about clearing out all the Bilic recruits. There will be time after Allardyce when we need to re-build, and Krov can be part of the club's future. Allardyce is a short term fix.
I think we should be careful about clearing out all the Bilic recruits. There will be time after Allardyce when we need to re-build, and Krov can be part of the club's future. Allardyce is a short term fix.There will always be a Krovinovic within our budget whether in Champ or Prem. He's a tidy little player but very much needs to be in the right type of team.
There will always be a Krovinovic within our budget whether in Champ or Prem. He's a tidy little player but very much needs to be in the right type of team.
As Liam said, he didn't suit Bilic's style and sure as hell doesn't suit Allardyce's.
Wrong decision to bring him in, right decision to ship him out.
Agree, what sort of style/team would he fit into?He needs a team that dominates and is comfortable in possession, and are superior to most of their opponents. Obviously he's not good enough for any major European team so would have to be like a Norwich or a Rangers.
Agree, what sort of style/team would he fit into?A team that sets up chances by playing through the midfield. Even the best strikers need service, and Krov is the kind of player who can provide that. Not on his own of course.
A team that sets up chances by playing through the midfield. Even the best strikers need service, and Krov is the kind of player who can provide that. Not on his own of course.
I thought that's what Bilić was trying to do? I like neat and tidy footballers always have but this lad has got no end product. Rather see him make a fist of it than the likes of Livermore though.
He reminds me of a wish.com Robert Koren. Now there was a player.
I thought that's what Bilić was trying to do? I like neat and tidy footballers always have but this lad has got no end product. Rather see him make a fist of it than the likes of Livermore though.Not just Billic, I would argue there are alot of teams that play through the midfield, probably the majority of teams in the Prem League. When you say end product, that suggests getting on the scorers list. He has got a shot on him but agree that not enough on target, but his main value is helping set up chances.
Not just Billic, I would argue there are alot of teams that play through the midfield, probably the majority of teams in the Prem League. When you say end product, that suggests getting on the scorers list. He has got a shot on him but agree that not enough on target, but his main value is helping set up chances.
Krov has the second highest passes into the penalty area per 90 for us, after Pereira, whilst also being highest for passes into the final third per 90 and progressive passes per 90. This shows his worth as player who can contribute in moving the team forward, but I can see that he's not going to fit in with Allardyce and so we may as well have him leave if it benefits us. He was only ever on loan anyway.hes a very good player, he alone almost transformed the match v Newcastle last season in the cup.
Robert Koren - criminally misused when put out wide!
Kroc I think has deserved a go in the place of Sawyers before being written off but I don’t think that will happen now sadly.
hes a very good player, he alone almost transformed the match v Newcastle last season in the cup.because talks have apparently continued.
I’d have him here all day everyday over Livermore/sawyers...
And why is everyone on here thinking Grosiki to Forrest, lamouche wanted him....he’s gone
Abysmal. What was that pathetic high foot at the end of the game all about? :-X
Seems a nice chap and enjoyed his obvious affection for the Club and some of his team mates but by God, that must surely be his last start - and possibly his last appearance - for us.
Nothing personal but everything that was wrong with our transfers rolled into one from the Summer.
I thought that's what Bilić was trying to do? I like neat and tidy footballers always have but this lad has got no end product. Rather see him make a fist of it than the likes of Livermore though.
He reminds me of a wish.com Robert Koren. Now there was a player.
Pereira is considerably more talented than Koren in my humble.
Pereira is considerably more talented than Koren in my humble.
Nothing personal but everything that was wrong with our transfers rolled into one from the Summer.
Completely. If this was a game where he was tasked with showing why he should remain at the club, he did the complete opposite. I would be amazed if he is still here by the end of the month
This is bang on. Today was the antithesis of the performance he required.
Had a couple of decent efforts early on, but wide right just isn't his position at all. His shooting is genuinely some of the worst I've seen at this level.
On loan, can fill a useful role if we played Pierera in the middle and he was out, neat and tidy on the ball. Decent squad player so I've no objections to bringing him on loan. Got to remember that we had a few midfielders who weren't making the step up so need some come. Wouldn't have liked him permanent unless it was for a lot transfer fee.Loan wage for starters , that wage was needed elsewhere in the middle.
Absolutely no place for him in an Allardyce team.
Waste of a loan. Wasnt great last season and Bilic wanted him again for got no what reason. Get rid of him, not needed.
Agree with this.
I cannot believe that Bilic was prepared to die on this hill.
I still to this day have no idea why.
Krovinovic is a decent player but not in the positions he's been asked to play. Yesterday he got two awkward shots on target which was better than fans' favourites Gallagher and Pereira who were profligate.
Best thing for him is to go to Forest where he can link up with Lolley to embarrass us next year and for BS to try Ivanovitch in midfield (seems his contract states that he has to be included somewhere)
I actually didn't say he was better if you read my post
You didn’t say it but you did imply that Pereira and Gallagher are overrated while implying that Krov is underrated.
I hope that this doesn’t turn into another Gnabry situation
Like most of us, I was amazed that Slav made such a deal to get Krov back. He was ok in flashes last season and has obvious talent but was just really not suited to the English game and lacked the 'bite' needed that a Modric always has (regardless of his massive talent of course).
He played his part last season but it's a good decision to let him go I think
I think Pereira was more excited about this signing than the fans. The social media announcement was cringeworthy.
Like most of us, I was amazed that Slav made such a deal to get Krov back. He was ok in flashes last season and has obvious talent but was just really not suited to the English game and lacked the 'bite' needed that a Modric always has (regardless of his massive talent of course).
He played his part last season but it's a good decision to let him go I think
The main problems with Krov are that he was not a 'hard man' tackler nor a 'headless chicken' workhorse. He was merely a skilful intelligent football player who had big influence in most of our best attacking performances. Best we let players like him leave, we have plenty of those sort on the books. Good luck Krov.
Disappointed to see him leave as our best team performances in recent years seem to coincide when he is in the team. Alot of people want to see a 'hard man' in midfield, which Krov obviously is not, but those players don't usually contribute much in creativity, which is equally important. No denying we also need a proper ball winner in midfield.
Which performances were these? Our best performance last season came at home to Swansea. Krov an unused substitute... story of his Albion career.His style seemed to suit playing with Pereira, Diangana, Robinson in particular. He helped them play better. Its all a bit academic now, it seems though.
All the best Filip, thank you. Will always remember your performance at Millwall. Quality goal too.
'Lovely soft feet' as Tony Mowbray would suggest. Technical delight on his day, invisible man on others. If he's off then he leaves with my best wishes, the end of the three amigos.
Off to Forest according to reports. Hopefully we have a replacement lined up.
Off to Forest according to reports. Hopefully we have a replacement lined up.
What does this do to the obligation to buy? Was their a break clause?
I imagine we tied an obligation to appearances as well as survival, so if he’s not going to hit them there’s little point in Benfica leaving him here.
Feel a bit sorry for Krov on a personal note as Benfica clearly don’t want him, yet priced him out of a move in the summer.
I’m not a fan of Krov, but he seems a good character and I wish him well.
He could do well for another championship club but I’ll be surprised if we ever look back at moving him on with any regret.
Just a thought, what happens if Gallagher or Pereira get injured or suspended? Who fills their places? With Harper gone, we've let 2 attacking midfielders go in one window.
Phillips. ;D
Just a thought, what happens if Gallagher or Pereira get injured or suspended? Who fills their places? With Harper gone, we've let 2 attacking midfielders go in one window.
Probably Sam Field I suppose.Would be a big mistake to use Field to replace Krovinovic. Field is a completly different player, he's a defensive midfielder. I can't remember him ever providing an assist.
I really like Krovinovic but think he would be far better suited to Spain or Italy. I still think his goal against Milwall last season was our best goal of the season so good luck Filip.
Would be a big mistake to use Field to replace Krovinovic. Field is a completly different player, he's a defensive midfielder. I can't remember him ever providing an assist.
add to list of Valero, Gnabry et al who we failed to integrate properly
The two players you mention in that post went onto have very good careers and get some good plaudits etc that won't happen for Filip. He is to lightweight for the English game. Like his personality but not quite good enough I'm afraid.
The two players you mention in that post went onto have very good careers and get some good plaudits etc that won't happen for Filip. He is to lightweight for the English game. Like his personality but not quite good enough I'm afraid.
One of our more intelligent player and the only player other than MP who could create from tight spaces to unpick packed defences.(jury out on Snodgrass so far) Better tackler than given credit for and clever movement not noticed as much as running about a lot. Plenty good enough and strong enough for us in the prem if other issues addressed properly. Shame he has gone.
As (Sadly)expected we have to pay the full loan fee of £1.2m even though we cancelled halfway.p
"They’ve got a contractual obligation to pay that £1.2m loan fee. Which for six months of football doesn’t look great. "
So if we spent around 25-30k per week on his wages and 1.2m to play him so around £2m for a 3rd choice midfielder for about 90 minutes in total. Alternatively we've just paid his wages for a year and set him back early.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-told-cant-escape-19697865
The summers joint most baffling transfer with Ivanovich gets better and better.
I can’t imagine we would have sent him back if there was zero benefit and we simply lost an option. Not unless he’s been a huge problem at the club and nothing has suggested that.
Some compromise must have been reached with Forest picking up some of the liability we had.
I’ve just read the story and the source is an ‘expert’ who there is nothing to suggest was privy to any contract or any negotiation in any way at all.
I don’t see how he is qualified to state what contractual obligations we have. As far as I can tell, the most he can say is we may have had unavoidable contractual obligations.
If we were to verify every single article posted on here the site would be virtually empty. Bit strange to pluck figures of 1.2m out the air. What do you think they woyuld have to go gain from discussing this deal inaccurately?
If we were to verify every single article posted on here the site would be virtually empty. Bit strange to pluck figures of 1.2m out the air. What do you think they woyuld have to go gain from discussing this deal inaccurately?
In terms of what they gain... isn’t it obvious? The same Pay per click bull that’s prevalent in this age.
Guys -I dont doubt Forest are paying his wages but who really stands to benefit from a pay per click story on Krovs loan fee. No one aside from WBA fans will give a damn.
You could say that for any story about us, yet they are in business and write a story about us on practically a daily basis.