West Bromwich Albion have completed their fifth summer signing as Hal Robson-Kanu has joined the club on a two-year deal. It follows the signings of Matty Phillips, Brendan Galloway, Nacer Chadli and other Deadline Day buy Allan Nyom. Robson-Kanu is a free agent having been released by Championship side Reading in the summer. Following an extremely successful Euro 2016 campaign with his nation Wales, Kanu has seen interest from Premier League clubs such as Swansea City alongside, bizarrely, Spanish giants Atletico Madrid. However, Albion have managed to secure the signature of the 27-year-old.
Hal Robson-Kanu had been at former club Reading for his whole senior career, making 198 appearances and scoring 24 goals over an eight-year spell for the Royals. During this time it also saw Kanu being loaned out to Southend United and Swindon Town in 2008 and 2009 respectively.
Robson-Kanu is a Welsh international and was today given permission by his nation to leave training to agree terms and have medical with Albion before signing. The attacker has got 34 caps for his nation, scoring 4 goals including 2 in the 2016 European Championship helping his nation to the semi-final. I’m sure we all remember him for the wonder goal he scored against Belgium in the quarters!
I pick out five reasons why Hal Robson-Kanu is a good signing for the Baggies:
Versatility
Hal Robson-Kanu can play in a number of positions whether that’s out wide,up front or behind the striker. Giving Albion a lot of cover in a number of places. We might not see Craig Gardner on the wing ever again!
Depth
Like the signing of Nyom, Robson-Kanu gives Albion much needed depth up top and more attacking threat especially with the expected departure of Callum McManaman, Tony Pulis has said he’s wanted more options and quality in the final third and that’s what the Welsh international gives Albion.
Cheap
The Welsh international is a free agent following his release from Reading in the summer. Therefore he is a no risk player as no big money is spent on him which could free up funds for other players on Deadline Day. Along with the big money fees going around this summer, it could well turn out to be a bargain.
Has everything that Albion need
Like Nacer Chadli, Robson-Kanu has an eye for goal and can create opportunities which is exactly what Albion have been missing over the past year. Kanu has got a good amount of pace, strength and positive intent. Everything Pulis has been looking for.
Different striking option
With Albion struggling for strikers Hal Robson-Kanu is something a little bit different from the Rickie Lambert and Solomon Rondon type players. He’ll look to get in behind yet can still hold the ball up which was shown throughout the European Championship. The Welshman has got a bit of everything.