West Bromwich Albion striker Jay Rodriguez, who moved from Southampton a couple of years ago, has been strongly linked with a transfer to Bournemouth.
Rodriguez had a fine run of form in the Championship last season and it has been claimed by the Express and Star that Eddie Howe’s camp are mulling over a move for the Englishman.
The Baggies wanted £20million for Rodriguez last summer but he is expected to be available for a much lower figure this time around. The player still has a couple of years left on his contract at the Hawthorns.
Apart from the Cherries, fellow Premier League side Burnley are also reported to be keen to make him sign on the dotted line, after having seen their bid of £16million getting rejected by the Throstles last summer.
Why signing him would make sense for Bournemouth?
Having emerged through the youth ranks of Burnley, Rodriguez paved his way to their senior side before moving to Southampton in the summer of 2012. In the meantime, he also garnered loan spells with Barnsley and Stirling Albion.
After five seasons with the Saints, he moved to West Bromwich Albion but the Baggies got relegated during his first season with the club. However, he has performed exceptionally well in the Championship and has not let his stocks take a tumble.
The 29-year-old plundered 22 goals and also mustered 6 assists in the English second division, playing 47 out of 48 league games last season which included the two play-off matches as well.
Rodriguez could apparently be handed a return back to the top flight after his side’s failure to clinch promotion and having operated under the tutelage of Howe during the duo’s time at Burnley, a reunion seems to be an appealing prospect.
The English international is a proven goal scorer and is versatile enough to operate as a striker as well as a winger. Rodriguez is good at holding the ball, links up effectively with his teammates up front and apart from having developed into a consistent goal-scorer himself, he creates an adequate amount of chances for his teammates as well.
Owing to the vast array of positives he offers, it would be hard for West Bromwich Albion to replace Rodriguez but Bournemouth would be able to strike a good deal if they manage to lure him to the Vitality Stadium this summer especially at the price of £5m which is being touted.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
