Fresh details have emerged regarding West Bromwich Albion’s failed pursuit of midfielder Calum Chambers on deadline day.
News broke yesterday that the Baggies were exploring a deal for the former England international, who has fallen out of favour under Unai Emery at Villa Park. The 29-year-old is yet to feature in the Premier League this season and his last outing came as a substitute in the 1-1 Europa Conference League draw with Zrinjski Mostar in December.
The ex-Villarreal boss had previously gone on record as saying that Chambers was free to leave the club this before the end of the transfer window, and West Brom set their sights on the player in order to bolster their midfield options.
Carlos Corberan has done an excellent job at the Hawthorns, steering his side into play-off contention. They currently sit fifth in the Championship, although two defeats from their last three outings have opened up an opportunity to the teams below them.
It was reported last night by journalist Lewis Cox that WBA were keen on a loan deal until the end of the season, but the move fell through as Villa would only consider a permanent exit. This wasn’t an option for the second tier side and the deal fell through.
Calum Chambers won't be heading to Albion. Baggies would only do a loan, clearly, and that wasn't on the cards. #wba #avfc
Only expecting one addition this eve, as it stands, with Johnston confirmation to come. @ESAlbion_star
— Lewis Cox (@LewisCox_star) February 1, 2024
However, Football Insider claim that it was Chambers who rejected the move, with three Championship clubs interested in acquiring his services. The report reiterates that Villa were pushing to offload the former Arsenal star, although the player wasn’t willing to leave the Premier League outfit.
Instead, the transfer window closed with Chambers remaining in the West Midlands. West Brom did secure one piece of late business, signing winger Mikey Johnston from Scottish champions Celtic on loan until the end of the campaign.
The 24-year-old Republic of Ireland international spent last season at Portuguese outfit Vitoria de Guimaraes and returned to Glasgow last summer. He had made 12 appearances this season for Brendan Rodgers’ team this season, scoring twice in the Boxing Day win over Dundee.
Writer’s View
It’s unclear as to why Calum Chambers would opt to remain at a club in which he has virtually no chance of appearing for in favour of making a move to somewhere where he can get back on the pitch. The only explanation is that he feels he still has something to offer Unai Emery and that he believes that a step down to the Championship is not the right move for him at this stage in his career.
However, the opportunity of regular first team football at a club the size of West Brom would have been a great opportunity and there is perhaps more truth in the story that Villa were unwilling to sanction a temporary deal. Even that seems strange though, as they could have potentially increased his market value in the summer should he have rediscovered his form.
