West Bromwich Albion‘s pursuit of Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland could be threatened by interest from abroad.
The Baggies are in the market for a new forward this summer under new manager Ryan Mason, who arrived at The Hawthorns last week. They have not made any incoming signings yet, and have released three players in Semi Ajayi, Grady Diangana and John Swift.
Saudi Interest Emerges
West Brom ramped up their pursuit of the Scotland international as his contract at Hearts of Midlothian is set to expire, but the Edinburgh club are currently in negotiations for a new contract for the 29-year-old. The club recently handed the former Ayr United forward a deadline to make a decision on his future as the Tynecastle side prepares to build on their seventh-placed finish last season.
Reports suggest that Albion, who previously tried to approach Shankland during his time at Dundee United, are in pole position for the striker’s signature, but that status is now under threat. According to the Express and Star, two Saudi Arabian sides have emerged as interested parties in the form of El-Ettifaq, formerly managed by Steven Gerrard, and Al-Wedha, who currently have former Watford man Odion Ighalo on their books.
Albion face competition from within the Championship too, as Southampton and Ipswich Town have also been linked with Shankland, who has scored 68 times in 137 appearances for Hearts.
Writers’ View
Lawrence Shankland has been well regarded as the best player in the Scottish Premiership not to play for the big Glasgow clubs. He has been a lethal finisher wherever he has played and arguably has been overlooked by his nation, especially during EURO 2024. A move to West Bromwich Albion would see him challenge Daryl Dike and Josh Maja for two starting places, after interest in the latter died down over the second half of the season. However, Saudi interest may be a cause for concern as none of the Championship clubs in contention could match the wage offerings delivered by those clubs. It is a big decision for Shankland to make and should he desire a starting place in the Scotland squad, a move into the English second tier would be the best step.
