Report: West Brom eyeing 26-year-old similar in style to Nemanja Matic, possible loan

Add as preferred source on Google

West Bromwich Albion are reportedly considering a move for Turkey international Okay Yokuslu, according to the Daily Mail.

New manager Sam Allardyce is in the process of bolstering his ranks as he looks to guide the Baggies to Premier League safety this season.

He has already brought Robert Snodgrass and Andy Lonergan to The Hawthorns this month, but he’s believed to be after extra protection for his defence.

Yokuslu, who plies his trade for Spanish side Celta Vigo, is a versatile player who can be deployed in central midfield, defensive midfield, and at centre-back.

The 26-year-old, who stands a commanding 6ft 3in, has had to make do with a bit-part role this season, making 13 appearances in all competitions but just five starts.

Celta are said to be open to offers, and according to the Daily Mail, the Baggies have opened discussions over a possible loan for the 28-cap Turkey international.

TBR View:

Yokuslu may be struggling for game time this season but a tally of 71 competitive appearances for Celta since signing in 2018 is fairly decent, not to mention over 100 apiece for former clubs Trabzonspor and Kayserispor and, of course, 28 caps for his country.

Superb in the air and boasting an impressive passing range, a Turkish Football scouting report from March 2018 deemed him “the type of player that can become the backbone of a team. A multi-faceted player ideal for the demands of the modern game.”

And after joining Celta a few months later, he told Celta Media (via Football Espana): “People say that I remind them of (Nemanja) Matic. I like physical contact, but I also want the ball and like organising the midfield. When I’m on the pitch, I go out to give 100 percent. I can promise that.”

Admittedly he is untested in the Premier League but, based on the above, he has some great credentials and sounds like he has a lot he could offer Albion.