Valerien Ismael
Valerien Ismael is relaxed about the prospect of West Brom signing a new centre forward, after seeing his team dismantle Birmingham City in their final pre-season friendly before the new campaign. After a goalless first-half, Albion ripped through Blues with a feast of goals in front of the travelling supporters. Grady Diangana, Matt Clarke, Karlan Grant and Rayhaan Tulloch all found the net at regular intervals. Ismael, who has seen his side remain unbeaten in pre-season and without having conceded a goal, revealed that nothing was imminent on the striker front heading into August – and he was rather unflustered by the situation.
Valerian Ismael said: “We will see. At the minute I don’t think we have an emergency in that position. I think the players have done well. Matt Phillips when he has played, Robbo today did it and Ken came in and had an impact on the game. We can work with the guys. They are ready to work hard. That is a good thing and the young players are involved as well. In the front three positions I think at the minute I don’t think it is a priority position.”
Ismael, meanwhile, was coy on the subject of Adam Reach. It’s understood that Albion are close to securing a deal for the winger, who is a free agent after leaving Sheffield Wednesday at the end last season. The 28-year-old, who has also previously played for Middlesbrough, would provide cover across a range of positions on the left hand side of the pitch. The Baggies boss, though, wouldn’t be drawn on where Albion were with Reach. He did reiterate, though, that Albion are ready to be active in the transfer market as and when they see fit.
Valerian Ismael added: “At the minute we can’t tell you anything, the only thing I can say for sure is that we are looking on the market. It’s a new way, a new start, and we want to form the squad to suit our philosophy and our squad. We need to pick the right player, this is the reason we are patient in the market but when we have the feeling that this is the player for us, we will do it, but at the minute we have nothing to announce.”
Albion travel to Bournemouth on Friday evening as their new Championship campaign officially kicks off.
