Hal Robson-Kanu, having left Championship side Reading on a free transfer this summer, probably had the Euros in his mind as the springboard to get himself to a bigger stage. The 27-year-old was one of the standout players in the Euro 2016 this summer as he helped Wales to go all the way to the semi-finals. He notched the winner in Wales’ opening group game against Slovakia and scored one of the goals of the tournament in the historic 3-1 win against Belgium in the quarter-finals.
It still amazes me that Robson-Kanu, who set the Euro 2016 on fire just a month ago, was still up for grabs and that too on a free transfer. The Birmingham Mail, although, reports that the 27-year-old could be one of West Brom’s deadline day signings as Tony Pulis is trying everything to end the frustrating transfer window on a good note.
The Baggies shattered their club transfer record yesterday to sign Nacer Chadli from Spurs yesterday but Pulis, as he claimed last week, is still looking for three to four additions. Hal Robson-Kanu, on a free transfer, could be a solid addition to the Midlands club.
/ AFP / MIGUEL MEDINA (Photo credit should read MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/Getty Images)
The Welshman is a versatile attacking player who can ply his trade anywhere across the attacking third. Predominantly a left winger, the 27-year-old has often been used as the focal point of the attack by managers and he has delivered on most occasions. While his strike record at the Madejski Stadium was far from prolific, scoring just 24 in 198 appearances, the 35-capped Welsh international is still a quality player and would do great at the Hawthorns.
After almost a decade of service at the Madejski Stadium, Robson-Kanu departed Reading this summer with his contract expiry. He had his career highs and lows with the Royals. The Welshman never was the most consistent player around but entering his peak years now, he can become a much-improved player at West Brom as he’ll be playing with better players. The momentum is with him following the Euro campaign he had. All Pulis needs to do is to use him well (not the usual hoof-ball tactics, though).
With Robson-Kanu on board, Pulis will have plenty of options up front. He can use the Welshman on the flanks as well as a forward alongside Rondon or Berahino if the later remains a Baggies player after the deadline, though. For a free transfer, a player with Robson-Kanu’s experience and versatility is a massive coup from Pulis.
