On Friday, West Bromwich Albion confirmed the signing of striker Kenneth Zohore from Championship rivals Cardiff City for an undisclosed fee.
The Baggies revealed the news on their official Twitter account, with the former Bluebird taking up the famous number nine shirt at The Hawthorns.
It was imperative that Slaven Bilic brought in a top class frontman in short order this summer after seeing strikers Jay Rodriguez and Dwight Gayle leave the club.
Now, they have a proven Championship centre forward in Zohore, someone who has experience of winning promotion to the Premier League. Plus, he’s been tied down to a four-year deal. Not bad, eh?
This is what the West Brom fans are saying about him:
— Joe (@Yacxb) July 19, 2019
Welcome to the Baggies @kzohore ??????
— christian stephens (@Wearealbion) July 19, 2019
Sorted lads, just announce ajayi and a pacy striker to go alongside him
— Dan (@ChanceWBA) July 19, 2019
Brilliant stuff! Welcome Ken
— Mike Campbell (@WBAcambolia) July 19, 2019
So this is the section of the West Brom support who are delighted to have Zohore on board. These are people who clearly recognise that the team are extremely light on attackers and could do with someone of his ability. The Dane is a quality target man who, when motivated, is a nightmare for even the best defenders to deal with.
One fan mentioned Rotherham centre back Semi Ajayi, who the Daily Mail reported this week is close to agreeing a £1.3million move to the Baggies. If Bilic is able to add his signature to Zohore’s, then this must be considered a very positive week for the Midlands side.
It’s integral, though, that the Croatian continues the rebuild beyond these two deals. His side have been gutted from last year, with the loss of defender Craig Dawson sure to be as keenly felt as that of Gayle and Rodriguez. So this must be just the first in a string of deals over the next few weeks.
10 goals in 2 years.
— Ceiron Wesley ???????????????????????????????????? (@wesley_ceiron18) July 19, 2019
All the best Ken!
Absolutely unplayable when hes on his game. Unfortunately didnt see it often enough here, but that's the reason he cost 8m, not 30. If he plays to his top level consistently then hes a top half Premiership player. If Bilic can get it out of him it's a bargain
— CCFCFan (@CCFCFan1927) July 19, 2019
Cheers for the 8m lads x
— John (@jtayylorrr) July 19, 2019
Glad he’s gone. Not a bad player by any means, but he definitely needed a fresh start and Warnock can make £8m go a long way. No doubt he’ll receive a warm welcome from the City fans when West Brom come to Cardiff.
— Tony Moore (@tonymoore78) July 19, 2019
The Cardiff City supporters have also weighed in, here, giving their perspective on the loss of a player who was once considered integral to their plans. The consensus from fans of the Welsh club seems to be that Zohore is an immensely talented player with all the attributes to be a top striker, but that he hasn’t got his head screwed on straight.
That will be the concern for the West Brom faithful, and is why paying £8million for him is something of a gamble. As one Cardiff supporter says, if Bilic can get him back to his best then it’s a bargain. If he can’t, though, it could be an outlay that proves to be a colossal mistake.