Tony Pulis’ West Bromwich Albion side have made decent progress this season, and are close to a finish in the top half of the table. European football is a long way away and the manager will hope that his signings this summer can lift them to the Europa League next season.
The Baggies have a decent squad with enough quality in most positions. Their biggest strength for the side has been their backline which has hardly changed and stayed solid, throughout the season. They are sure to spend on a centre back or two this summer and Benfica’s Jardel is now on the radar for a move this summer.
Valued at around £17m, the 31-year old Brazilian-born defender has played in ten different clubs before settling at Benfica back in 2011. Ever since he has made 102 league appearances in the Portuguese domestic league and stands as one of the most experienced defenders in the country.
However, he has not been the first choice for the club this season and has made just eight appearances in all competitions this season. This has seen him linked with an exit and the Baggies are the favourites to land him at the end of the season as he is a kind of a necessity at the Hawthorns next season.
Known for his aggression in defending, Jardel is a strong defender who loves to use his strength and aerial ability to dominate his box. He is a great header of the ball and is not afraid of putting his body on the line and playing for a club like West Brom, he could turn into a beast.
The Baggies are set up usually to sit back and defender, to frustrate the opponents and Jardel will fit in pretty well. He is not an extraordinary passer but is a player who will give his everything at the back to keep his goal clean. He is hardly error prone and looks to be a perfect fit for Tony Pulis’ side next season.
Gareth McAuely has been impeccable at the back for the Baggies but at 37, he cannot be the first-choice next season. He may yet stay at the club to act as a backup and Jardel is more than capable of taking his place in the first team for the Baggies. Jonny Evans, who has also been decent this season, is 29 and can act as a perfect mentor for Jardel in his first season in England.
At 31, he is an experienced player and rather than warming the bench in Portugal, he would want to try and prove himself at the highest level in England. But at £17m, do you think he is the right man for the Baggies?
