“It’d be quite a stupid move” – West Brom fan pundit issues strong verdict on potential Middlesbrough transfer | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk‘ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Middlesbrough have been linked with a move to sign Alex Mowatt from West Bromwich Albion.

That’s according to a report from Mail Online, who outline that Chris Wilder has set his sights on signing Mowatt as Marcus Tavernier’s replacement, having signed off his exit to AFC Bournemouth.

Mowatt, 27, has played very limited minutes under Steve Bruce in 2022/23, getting literally minutes in the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough on the opening day.

Despite that, FLW’s West Brom fan pundit, Matt, feels it would be stupid of the Baggies to sell to a direct rival: “Letting Mowatt go to Middlesbrough would be strange. You are directly strengthening a promotion rival.

“He’s worth keeping from a playing perspective as well. Okay Yokuslu will be the first choice in midfielder for the season once he gets up to fitness, but you will always be looking for someone to partner him.

“I don’t think Jake Livermore is the player he once was. Jayson Molumby has impressed, but the alternative to Molumby is Mowatt.

“When he’s playing at his best, like we saw at the start of last season, he does have quite a lot to offers with his energy, delivery from set-pieces and general ability with his left-foot.”

Mowatt was a Valerien Ismael signing last season, and he ended the campaign with four goals and two assists for West Brom.

Whilst Matt feels that Mowatt moving might potentially free up some wages at the Hawthorns, he stressed it would be “stupid” to sell to Middlesbrough or any Championship rival at this stage, given West Brom are eyeing a push for promotion under Bruce.

“If he goes to Middlesbrough, and plays how he can, it’d be quite a stupid move for Albion,” Matt expressed, strongly.

“Will we look to capitalise on freeing up some wages? We will wait and see. But if I was Steve Bruce or Albion, I wouldn’t be sending Mowatt to any other Championship club at the moment.”

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