According to Portuguese news outlet, Sports Witness, West Brom are in talks with LIGA NOS giants Sporting Lisbon regarding their midfield star Rodrigo Battaglia. The 26-year-old defensive midfielder has scored one this season.
The same report suggests that the Baggies were already rebuffed an offer of £13m earlier this season. Battaglia is currently contracted to Sporting until 2022, with a release clause of £52.9m.
However, Sporting are likely to agree to a deal around the region of £22m. But is this a necessary move for the West Brom?
The Baggies haven’t been in the best of forms this season, despite the addition of some highly talented players over the summer transfer window. They are running a bit thin in terms of squad depth as well as quality first team regulars, particularly in the midfield department.
Despite securing a season-long loan deal for Polish international Grzegorz Krychowiak, they still lack quality in the midfield. It’s probably fair to say that the addition of Krychowiak has been the only bright spark in an otherwise dire season for the west-midlands club. As for the other midfielders, they haven’t been at it this season, as it seems.
Jake Livermore has been an ever-present figure in the West Brom midfield. However, his defensive contribution is below par while Gareth Barry has also suffered to stamp his authority at his new club so far this season. Therefore, it’s past time they look for a new defensive midfielder on the market.
Rodrigo Battaglia can prove to be the perfect addition to this struggling West Brom squadron. The former Braga star has been a key figure in Sporting’s impressive season so far and could be an ideal partner in midfield for Krychowiak.
Although, generally being advertised as a central midfielder, Battaglia loves to stay deep and prove defensive cover for the backline. He is very impressive when it comes to picking up loose balls or to break up the play through some intelligent tackles. The Argentinian midfielder can be compared to Chilean superstar Arturo Vidal. Though not as strong, Battaglia is a gifted CDM who can make full use of his defensive abilities in order to prevent the opposition get into the final third. Furthermore, Battaglia is quite adept at passing, even though tackling is by far his greatest asset as a midfielder.
West Bromwich fans will be desperate to see some new faces and the board should make sure that Rodrigo Battaglia is among those new faces this January.
