Football League World
·11 October 2021
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·11 October 2021
Of the many players signed by West Bromwich Albion during their eight-year Premier League tenure in the 2010s, Cristian Gamboa is one that would likely fall under the ‘transfer disappointments’ heading.
The right-back is closing in on 80 appearances for Costa Rica, has won trophies in multiple countries, and played in the Champions League but the Hawthorns faithful never really got to see him at his best.
Gamboa joined from Norweigian outfit Rosenborg in 2014 for a fee in the region of £2 million (as per Transfermarkt) but made just 17 appearances for Albion before departing for a loss two years later.
The defender left the Baggies to sign for Celtic for a three-year spell that would bring with it silverware but rarely a regular run in the side.
Gamboa was in and out of the Bhoys starting XI in his first season at the Glasgow club but did contribute toward a domestic treble.
Two more Scottish titles, two more Scottish League Cups, and another Scottish Cup would follow in the next two seasons but the full-back was little more than a fringe player – not reaching double figures of appearances in either campaign, in part due to injury.
It was no surprise then to see the Costa Rican depart on a free transfer in August 2019 in a move that has since proven excellent for him.
Gamboa joined German side VfL Bochum and has been a mainstay in the side since, helping them to win the 2.Bundesliga and secure promotion to the top flight last term.
His contributions in the Bundesliga have been limited due to injury as he was forced to have surgery after a nasty injury to his left arm.
The 31-year-old is yet to return but will no doubt be looking to prove his quality against Germany’s best when he is back.
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