Carlton Palmer has issued his verdict on the price tag Southampton may have to pay as they target West Bromwich Albion’s Brandon Thomas-Asante.
Thomas-Asante has enjoyed two relatively strong seasons with the Baggies since joining from Salford City two years ago, and it’s believed that the Premier League new boys are targeting the Ghanaian international as a potential replacement to fill the void left by the recently departed Che Adams. Albion and Southampton are preparing for their respective top flight and Championship seasons at this moment in time, just two months after the two clubs met in the play-off semi-finals, where the Saints emerged 3-0 victors courtesy of a second-half rout in the latter of the two legs, before eventually defeating Leeds United at Wembley Stadium on May 26th.
Carlton Palmer has rendered an opinion over the cost Southampton would incur in their pursuit of Brandon Thomas-Asante of West Bromwich Albion.
Carlton Palmer reacts as Southampton eye Brandon Thomas-Asante
Palmer is a man who has played for both Albion and the Saints, so he is familiar with both teams. The former defender shared his thoughts on a possible price for the 25-year-old as well as if he could transition to the Premier League for the first time. “Southampton are ready to test West Brom’s resolve for Brandon Thomas-Asante,” he stated to FLW. “The Baggies finished in the top-six last season before losing in the play-offs to Southampton, who eventually went on to earn promotion to the Premier League.”
The team led by Carlos Corberan is gearing up for another season in the second division, with the hope that this one will finally see them cross the finish line,” Palmer went on. “Thomas-Asante, 25, played 41 Championship games last season, earning two assists and 11 goals. He has settled into life in the second division well, having come from League Two Salford City.”
But whether he can handle the step-up into the Premier League is still to be seen,” the pundit said. “Southampton are eyeing a move for the striker after Che Adams left for Torino.” “Thomas-Asante’s contract situation is a major problem for West Bromwich Albion,” said the former England international. “He just has one year left, and next summer, his contract will expire. In order for West Brom to obtain a respectable amount, they must sell him during this window if they have no plans to sign a contract or renew his current one.”
Although he hasn’t yet played in the Premier League, his age and second-tier accomplishments give cause for optimism that he can advance.” “If he doesn’t sign a new deal with West Brom, it’s in their interest to let the player go,” Palmer stated. What am I willing to pay for him? I believe Southampton won’t want to spend a ridiculous amount of money because his contract expires the next year.” “But, I think they’re probably going to be looking at the £7m-8m mark given his age and the promise he’s shown,” he said. “I think that is the type of figure that West Brom will be looking for, given what they initially paid.”
He said: “We’ll have to wait and see how it pans out, but I’m sure this summer will be the time West Brom move him on, if he doesn’t sign a new contract.”
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