West Bromwich Albion have secured the signing of Kenneth Zohore from Championship rivals Cardiff City for an undisclosed fee.
Zohore has moved to the Hawthorns on a three-year deal, and is Slaven Bilic’s first permanent signing this summer following the arrival of Filip Krovinovic on loan from Benfica.
The forward had one year left on his contract with the Bluebirds, so Cardiff allowed him to move to avoid losing him for free next summer.
Why Zohore is a shrewd signing by West Brom
Albion were in a desperate need to sign a striker following the departure of Jay Rodriguez to Burnley earlier this summer for a reported initial fee of £5 million, with another £5million to be paid in 12 months.
Last season’s top goal-getter Dwight Gayle also returned to his parent club Newcastle United after a successful loan spell at the Hawthorns. Therefore, Zohore is undoubtedly an important acquisition by West Brom.
Having started his senior career at Copenhagen, he mustered spells at Brondby IF, IFK Goteborg, OB, and K.V. Kortrijk before moving into the ranks of Cardiff City on loan in the January transfer window of 2016.
At the end of the 2016-17 campaign, the Dane signed a permanent contract with them. He had an impressive season with Cardiff, and his nine goals and five assists helped Neil Warnock’s side reach the top flight.
However, he was far from convincing in the top flight last season as he managed to bag just one goal in 19 Premier League appearances, although Warnock is also to be blamed for not using him properly.
Zohore lost his place upfront to Calum Paterson, a man who was signed as a right-back and was on the fringes of Warnock’s side. Although Zohore is likely to find it easier in the Championship, a league where is had two good seasons with Cardiff, he does need to buck up next season.
West Brom need someone who can influence the game more playing up front, and Zohore’s abilities will suit Bilic’s style.
Strong with his dribbling and ability to find a teammate in a better position, Zohore is good with his flicks and tricks, and can link-up play well in the final third.