West Brom strive to rival Valencia for free transfer of frustrated striker Kiril Despodov

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According to The Telegraph, West Bromwich Albion are striving to rival Valencia and Galatasaray for the free summer transfer of frustrated Cagliari striker Kiril Despodov.

The Baggies are monitoring Despodov’s situation as he attempts to get released from his contract with the Serie A side after taking legal action over unpaid wages.

Italian top-flight outfits were given permission to pay players’ salaries over a 14-month period last year in response to the coronavirus pandemic, but Despodov was informed that he would not be due any wages for July or August.

Despodov had returned to the Sardegna Arena following a loan with Sturm Graz after only making four appearances for Cagliari following his arrival in 2019, and would feature just once this term before joining Ludogorets on loan with an option to buy (cagliaricalcio.com).

It remains to be seen what Ludogorets’ plans for the 24-year-old are, but West Brom, Valencia and Galatasaray are keeping tabs on Despodov’s legal battle, as he seeks the termination of his Cagliari contract over the unpaid wages.

Despodov is yet to score for Cagliari, where he is under contract through to the summer of 2023 on an £8,000-per-week deal (Salary Sport), but has found the back of the net six times and offered 12 assists in 26 games across all competitions with Ludogorets this term.

TBR’s view:

Despodov could prove to be a solid striker for West Brom to target in the summer if he is released from his Cagliari contract, although the Baggies may struggle to edge out interest from Valencia and Galatasaray who can present the Bulgarian with top-flight football.

He may be receptive of a move to the Hawthorns, however, as Despodov would likely expect to be given more opportunities to feature in the Championship coming from the Bulgarian Efbet Liga than he could in Spain or Turkey.

The 18-cap international marksman’s impressive creativity with Ludogorets this season also shows West Brom could be getting a promising weapon to replace Mbaye Diagne (Sky Sports) for a season they hope will end in promotion straight back to the Premier League.