After securing their promotion to the Premier League, West Brom are now looking to add some quality to their squad, and one player they are keeping an eye on is Brentford star, Rico Henry.
Birmingham Live claim that Slaven Bilic sees Rico Henry as a first-team option for his side next season, and could make a move for him in the upcoming days.
The likes of Leeds United are also interested in his signature, but is Henry the right man for The Baggies?
Rico Henry – What will he bring to West Brom?
The Birmingham born full-back moved to Brentford from Walsall back in 2016, but his progress was hampered by injuries. He missed a good chunk of the first couple of seasons with the Bees, but in the recently concluded season, he slowly turned into a first-team star at Griffin Park.
A left-back by trait, Henry is an excellent passer, who loves to play out from the back, even under pressure. He is happy to sit back and defend for most parts of the game, but his ability to take on players on the wide areas allows him to be effective at the other end of the pitch as well.
Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)
Henry rarely dives into tackles, is smart with his movement with and without the ball and is a player who can be effective in the Premier League as well.
He managed three assists in 49 Championship starts in the recently concluded season, and was one of the most consistent players in his position in the Championship. At just 23, he could be a long term option at left-back for West Brom.
Chances at West Brom
Bilic had decent options for the defensive roles in his side last season but sees Henry as a first-team option next season. Conor Townsend and Kieran Gibbs were both used regularly in the left-back role, but the Brentford man could add a different dimension to the backline.
Townsend is still 27 and is a decent option even in the Premier League. Gibbs’ experience will also help Bilic’s side, but Henry’s could make them stronger.
Henry, who only turned 23, will take time to adjust to the Premier League. He will have the likes of Gibbs and Townsend helping him, which could allow him to turn into a superstar in the English top flight.
West Brom also have Nathan Ferguson, whose versatility in the backline will be of help, so Henry is not an urgent requirement at the Hawthorns.
But if Bilic sees him as the right man for his side, the Baggies should quickly make a move to fend off interest from other clubs in the country.