West Brom fans have every right to be frustrated with the transfer window they are having. The Baggies have made only two signings this summer in the form of Matt Phillips and Brendan Galloway (on loan). After the 0-0 stalemate against Boro at the Hawthorns on Sunday, there were loud boos from the fans of the Midlands club and their anger is justified.
Tony Pulis, earlier this week, claimed that he is looking to make as many as five late deals in the final three days of the transfer window and among those one could be a central defender Lisandro Lopez from Benfica is reports are believed to be true. An international defender like the 26-year-old available for a paltry sum of just £4m is a chance you have to take. It will be an absolute bargain from the Baggies.
The Argentine stopper moved to Benfica from Argentine side Arsenal de Sarandi in 2013 to replace his compatriot Ezequiel Garay and he has done more than a decent job at the Stadium of Light. Initially being shipped out on loan to La Liga side Getafe for one season, the Argentine played a big role in the Eagles’ back to back Primeira Liga and Cup wins. After winning it all it Portugal, the Argentine is reportedly looking for new challenges and there is nothing bigger and better than the Premier League.
Capped four times for the Argentine national team, Lopez’s quality is pretty much evident. The 26-year-old utilises his frame of 6’2” very well and wins almost every ball in the air. Tony Pulis admires players who are aerially strong and his side always score plenty of goals from set-pieces via headers. Lopez fits the bills thanks to his aerial prowess.
The 26-year-old is blessed with a gifted ability to read the game. The Argentine rarely switches off and his concentration helps him intercept dangers. Tony Pulis’ game is about ensuring a resolute defence first and everything after that. An intelligent defender like the 26-year-old would fit in very well under the Welsh manager.
The Baggies are short on numbers at the heart of the defence having let James Chester move to Championship side Aston Villa this summer. Two of the pillars at West Brom backline for a long time, Gareth McAuley and Jonas Olsson are 36 and 33 respectively now and Pulis needs to find replacements of the duo as early as possible. Lisandro Lopez looks more than capable of being a success at Hawthorns. For £4m, it will be an incredible piece of a bargain.
