West Brom broke their club-record transfer fee this summer, bringing loan sensation Grady Diangana back to the Hawthorns after an impressive temporary stint last season.
But the Baggies haven’t always had great success with their big-money signings – £13m signing Nacer Chadli failed to back up his price tag before being quickly moved on whilst Oliver Burke’s arrival was arguably the worst piece of business they have ever done.
Although, it’s now Albion who are having the last laugh on the matter.
At the time, he became the most expensive Scottish player in history as Tony Pulis brought him to the Hawthorns from RB Leipzig for a whopping £15m.
The 23-year-old winger would go onto play just 24 times for the Midlands outfit, contributing only one goal and three assists, via Transfermarkt.
During the past two seasons alone, he was sent out on loan to both Celtic and La Liga strugglers Alaves, though neither side wanted to take a punt in signing him permanently.
Instead, it was top-flight rivals Sheffield United who took that on that burden this summer, paying an “undisclosed fee” as well as sending versatile forward Callum Robinson, who also enjoyed a successful spell at the Baggies during their promotion-winning campaign, the other way.
However, The Star claim that Albion paid £3m plus Burke to secure the Irishman.
And so far, it’s turned out to be a masterstroke from Luke Dowling and co as Burke has failed to prove his credentials for the Blades this campaign.
Per WhoScored, the 6 foot 2 Scotsman has averaged just one key pass, 0.7 shots and 0.3 dribbles per game. He’s even managed a shocking 57.6% pass success rate, which ranks him third-worst in the entire league for any outfield player to start three or more matches.
In contrast, Robinson has already delivered two goals for Slaven Bilic – against Chelsea too – and is averaging more shots and dribbles than the former Pulis flop.
Considering Burke was raking in £30k-per-week at the club, Albion have done wonders in getting him off the wage bill and have delivered an outrageous coup in getting Robinson too.
The Baggies may have lost over £20m on him through fees, swaps and wages, but he’s now United’s problem meaning Bilic and Dowling have had the last laugh here.
AND in other news, West Brom may have uncovered their next Harvey Barnes, even if it’s a BAD sign…