"A massive blow" - Pundit reacts to new West Brom, Okay Yokuslu transfer update | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer has shared his thoughts to FLW about West Brom's Okay Yokuslu wanted by Trabzonspor.

Former England midfielder Carlton Palmer believes West Bromwich Albion should cash in on Okay Yokuslu this summer amid interest from Trabzonspor.

It was reported by the Express & Star at the end of last week that Turkish side Trabzonspor are interested in signing the West Brom midfielder this summer.

This news may not come as a surprise, as the Turkish side has had a long-standing interest in the midfielder.

It was reported earlier this year that Trabzonspor were just one Süper Lig side that were keen on signing Yokuslu in this transfer window.

As well as Yokuslu being linked with a move back to Trabzonspor, Turkish giants Galatasaray have also been credited with an interest in the player.

Yokuslu has been with the Baggies since July 2022, when he joined the club on a free transfer after leaving La Liga side Celta Vigo. But before that, he did have a loan spell at the Hawthorns during his time at Celta Vigo.

The 30-year-old signed a three-year contract when he joined the Midlands side, meaning he is now entering the final 12 months of his deal this summer.

Here we asked the former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Carlton Palmer for his thoughts on Turkish side Trabzonspor wanting to sign Okay Yokuslu from West Brom and if the Baggies should let him leave or try to retain him for the 2024/25 season.

Palmer exclusively told Football League World: “West Brom’s midfield player, Okay Yokuslu is being again linked with a return to his former club, Trabzonspor.

“He played for them from 2015 to 2018, making 106 appearances for the club. He would be a loss for West Bromwich Albion, as he's been quality and when he hasn’t been available, Albion have struggled.

“They did well in getting to the play-offs last season, and it would be a massive blow for West Brom.

“But they have to look at the fact that he is 30, his contract is going into its last year, so depending on the kind of offer they receive for the player, then it may be one that West Brom would have to look at.

“He has been immense for the Baggies, so it would be really disappointing for Carlos Corberan to lose the player, but unfortunately, unless they offer him a new contract, with him only having 12 months left on his current deal, and he is 30, then it would be one of those that they look at it and think now is the right time to cash in.

“It is a difficult one because you can’t just keep him and let his contract run down because he is going to go for a free. So they have either got to offer him a new contract, which I’m assuming he will want a two or three-year contract, but I don’t think West Brom will want to give him a three-year contract on the basis of his age.

“So, it is a difficult situation at the moment and Trabzonspor were keen to take him back to his native country last year and are now banging down the door to get him out of the football club this year.

“Should West Brom let him leave, like I said, it is a problem over the fact that he is 30, 31 going into the end of his contract and the fact that you are going to have to give a player a two or three-year contract, then he will be 34.

“For me personally, if you can get the right money for him, I would let him go and use the money to bring in a good replacement.”

West Brom should allow Okay Yokuslu to leave this summer

Okay Yokuslu has been a good servant for West Brom since being at the club, but this summer may be the right time for the pair to part ways.

Yokuslu was obviously an important player under Carlos Corberan last season, as he played in 44 of the club’s 46 league games and in both play-off games against Southampton.

But the midfielder is 30, and with him now in the final year of his contract, West Brom should consider his departure, as it's their final chance of securing a fee for him. If a new deal isn’t agreed upon, he will leave for nothing next summer.

Interest seems to be high in the player, and this is good news for the Baggies, as they can use this to try and get as much money as they can for the player.

If they can receive a decent fee for the Turkish midfielder, it will allow them to go back into the market and find a suitable replacement, who may also be younger.