Why West Brom should sanction Cedric Kipre loan exit amid interest

According to Lancashire Live, out-of-favour West Brom defender Cedric Kipre has attracted interest from Blackburn Rovers. 

It has been claimed that the Championship outfit have held talks with the Baggies over a potential loan deal for the 25-year-old. West Brom beat off competition from Blackburn to sign Kipre from Wigan Athletic this past summer but the centre-back could still end up at Ewood Park just four months after completing his move to the Hawthorns. (h/t Lancashire Live)

Lack of opportunities

West Brom looked to have bagged a real coup in the market when they snapped up Cedric Kipre from Wigan for as little as £1million in the summer. The Ivory Coast international was viewed as a useful addition to the Baggies’ backline after proving his worth as a standout performer for the Latics in the Championship. 

However, things have hardly gone according to the script for the former Paris Saint-Germain youth prospect. Kipre has made just three appearances for West Brom so far this season, with all his involvement coming in the FA Cup and EFL Cup. The centre-back is yet to make a single appearance in the Premier League despite featuring on the bench on eight occasions.

The 25-year-old never got a look in from former manager Slaven Bilic and his situation doesn’t seem to have changed an awful lot following the appointment of Sam Allardyce. In fact, Kipre has made a few appearances for the club’s U-23 side to maintain his fitness levels. That pretty much sums up his struggles at West Brom.

Loan move a fair settlement for all parties?

Kipre would have sensed a window of opportunity to break into West Brom’s plans following the shock sale of Ahmed Hegazi. But the Ivorian international has found himself behind the likes of Semi Ajayi, Kyle Bartley, Branislav Ivanovic and youngster Dara O’Shea. His situation looks highly unlikely to change in the coming months, with the club currently in a relegation dogfight in the Premier League.

It has been reported that West Brom are in the market for a new centre-back to bolster their backline. While they aren’t short of cover in that department, bringing in an upgrade would make a lot of sense. The Baggies have the worst defensive record in the division with 43 goals conceded in 19 games. 

Having said that, however, West Brom need to clear the deadwood in their ranks to make room for a new arrival at the back. Cedric Kipre has been simply gathering dust in the ranks. Moving him on should help the club in their efforts to reshape a leaky backline heading into a crucial second half of the campaign. 

As for the player, it would make complete sense for him to get his career up and running once again after a rather ill-fated start to his career at West Brom. At 25, he’s supposed to be entering his prime years. Sitting constantly on the bench isn’t going to do him any good.

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Verdict

Suffice to say, West Brom should not hesitate to cut their losses on Cedric Kipre before the January deadline. The Baggies clearly need more accomplished players at the back to help them in their battle against relegation and the 25-year-old is certainly not in Allardyce’s plans.