West Brom could be the “ideal” location for free-agent Jack Wilshire to land, according to Harry Redknapp.
What’s the word?
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday (01/11, page 60), the former Spurs, Portsmouth and West Ham boss claimed it was a shock to see the 28-year-old without a club.
He believes that two of the three promoted teams could do with a player of his experience, he said:
“When you’ve been in football as long as me, there isn’t much left to shock but seeing Jack Wilshere without a club certainly does.
“Jack would be ideal for someone like Fulham or West Brom, and if you were paying him on appearances, there would be no risk.”
Worth a shot?
Whilst a move for the ex-Arsenal maestro would be a massive gamble to make, it could be one that saves the Baggies’ season.
Many will be put off by Wilshere’s injury history but that’s something he has claimed he is fully over – speaking to the Times in September, the former England international revealed his desire to be playing every week.
“I’m still only 28 and feel fit, strong and ready to play. I am still incredibly hungry, ambitious and desperate to play football and achieve success.”
Jack Wilshere after West Ham exit
Since then, he was released from his £100k-per-week contract and is now without a club.
182 appearances in the Premier League, 35 across the Champions and Europa League, and 41 goal contributions, per Transfermarkt. It’s not every day a player of this calibre becomes available – for free.
Throughout his career, Wilshere drew comparisons ranging from Barcelona duo Xavi and Iniesta, to England legends Paul Gascoigne and Wayne Rooney.
It doesn’t stop there, World Cup-winning duo Marco Reus and Bastian Schweinsteiger have also waxed lyrical about his abilities – the former dubbed the dynamic midfielder a “perfect player” whilst the latter hailed him as “one of the best players there [is].”
Aside from Jake Livermore, Albion lack experience at the very top of the game and as Redknapp says, anything like a pay-as-you-play deal could well be a masterstroke from Luke Dowling and the club’s hierarchy.
AND in other news, West Brom must rue not signing £80k-p/w “game-changer” during the transfer window…