OPINION
With the summer transfer window open the rumour mill is up and running, and speculation over Dwight Gayle has increased dramatically after West Brom confirmed they wouldn’t be taking him on a permanent move.
He had a storming season with the Baggies but after they crashed out of the play-off semi finals on penalties to Aston Villa, they revealed they couldn’t afford his wages, with Albion technical director Luke Dowling saying “We will pay Premier League contracts but only when we are back in the Premier League.”
Gayle scored 23 goals and added eight assists in 39 Championship games this season – an amount that got West Brom into the play-offs.
However, he’s on a reported salary of £40,000 a week at Newcastle and, according to TeamTalk, he wants £55,000-a-week for a move.
That report claims Leeds are suitors too and he would undoubtedly make a huge difference to a side that failed to convert enough chances – something that scuppered their chances of automatic promotion.
However, Leeds don’t have much money to spend either and are going to be looking at loan deals to help them through next season. Owner Andrea Radrizzani has already said it’s going to be a difficult summer for transfers and that certainly doesn’t bode well for a permanent deal for Gayle, despite TeamTalk saying a possible swap deal involving Kalvin Phillips and Jack Clarke could be on the cards.
Could he be available on loan again? it’s highly likely after he’s failed to deliver in the Premier League for Newcastle. But his wages could be an issue even for a loan move.
However, that’s how West Brom got him last season with Salomon Rondon moving in the other direction. Could a similar deal be worked out this season with Jack Clarke?
Plenty of Leeds fans would love to see him at Elland Road – here are the best reactions to the mooted swap deal:
Take him in a heart beat – we’d be promoted if he was leeds last season – simple …
— Scotty (@superleedsutd72) May 21, 2019
I'll probably get called names for this but I'd say if we're going swap anyone then why not Bamford? I'm a defender of his but I'm not sure his particular skill set suits Bielsa's style. I know the wages are mental but a player like Gayle guarantees goals.
— Adamos ?? (@BleatingGreek) May 21, 2019
Transfer fee on top of a wage like that, big money for this level I can't see it happening.
— Dale (@DaleMollett_) May 21, 2019
https://twitter.com/samuelgallaghe2/status/1131071821263060992
https://twitter.com/samuelgallaghe2/status/1131072387921960960
https://twitter.com/winspear_marc/status/1130917372968284166
Sign him up. Goals we've so dearly missed #LUFC
— ???? ??????? (@DaveyMedz) May 21, 2019
I'd pack Clarke's suitcase myself if there was an ounce of truth in this.
— Lewis Deighton ? (@LewisDeighton17) May 21, 2019
I’m not gonna lie I would love to see Dwight Gayle sign on loan, he’s a goalscorer in the Championship but his wages are way too high.. #lufc #mot
— LUFC Connor? (@ConnorMOT92) May 21, 2019