Transfer story
As per reports, Spanish International Alvaro Negredo is being linked with a move to West Bromwich Albion. After having an impressive loan spell at Middlesbrough, the striker has apparently drawn the attention of Tony Pulis who is more than keen on acquiring the services of the versatile forward.
Negredo would be returning back to Valencia after seeing out his loan spell at Boro and according to tabloid reports, the 31-year old is open to offers to remain in England. Pulis wants to strengthen and bolster his forward line as he aims for a major re-shuffle in the squad next summer and the inclusion of Negredo seems to be quite appropriate.
Player stats
The ex-Man City player featured for Boro 39 times this past season; a regular starter in the frontline for them. Not short of fitness, the 31-year old still has the endurance it seems.
Negredo managed to muster 10 goals and 4 assists during his time with Boro. The paltry goal return was mainly because of Boro’s lack of creative players as they focused too much on their defensive side of the game under Karanka. By the time he was sacked, it was too late to change the style and salvage anything from the season.
The former Man City man had a pass success percentage of 66.9 and has also made a total 26 key passes for his side. Although he needs to improve his passing skills, he still managed to create a decent number of chances up front, showcasing his temperament and unselfishness as a forward in creating openings for his team. Certainly an admirable feat for a striker or a forward. (Stats via WhoScored)
What’ll he offer the club?
Though the 31-year old could not manage to score consistently – because of the lack of creativity – he showed that when given the able service, he can be a more than decent striker.
With the Baggies’ style of play under Pulis, which is more direct and straight forward, one could see Negredo fitting in perfectly and contributing up front. Salomon Rondon has become too one-dimensional as has been isolated at times. The South American needs an able partner and Negredo could turn out to be a decent addition.
The Spaniard can also be another option considering Rondon had long and dry goalless runs this past season. Negredo is an experienced campaigner and certainly one with more finesse about his play than Rondon. Even though Pulis’ style is hardly inspiring, there is more creativity in that team than Boro who were simply atrocious in terms of creating chances last season.
