West Bromwich Albion are reportedly among a host of clubs who are interested in bringing St Pauli attacker Dapo Afolayan back to England, according to Hayters.
The Baggies are searching for attacking reinforcements following their 1-0 opening day win over Blackburn Rovers.
‘The Next Jay-Jay Okocha’
Afolayan began his career at Solihull Moors before being snapped up by West Ham United and loaned to Oldham Athletic and Mansfield Town.
He was loaned to Bolton Wanderers before making that move permanent and it was there he was likened to the Nigerian playmaker Jay-Jay Okocha, who had graced the Reebok Stadium under Sam Allardyce.
Afolayan was part of a very different Bolton Wanderers from that of Okocha as he joined a side looking to escape League Two. He played 101 matches for Wanderers and contributed 30 goal involvements before being snapped up by German side St Pauli.
Promotion to the Bundesliga was achieved at the end of Afolayan’s first full season with the player contributing nine goals and three assists.
After a season in Germany’s top flight helping St Pauli survive, interest is hotting up among Championship clubs to bring the 27-year-old back to England.
Interest Across Europe in Afolayan
Ryan Mason is looking to build a West Brom squad capable of challenging for promotion after he was given his first permanent managerial role in the summer.
The Baggies opened their campaign with three points at the weekend thanks to a goal from midfielder Isaac Price and the new boss is reportedly looking for more attacking options.
Afolayan would add options across the top end of the pitch, being able to play in several attacking roles.
West Bromwich Albion are not the only side rumoured to be weighing up a move for the former Solihull man, with Championship rivals Swansea City and Blackburn Rovers also interested.
Recently relegated Leicester City are the fourth Championship side credited with an interest as Marti Cifuentes looks to stamp his authority on the squad and add some experience to his attacking options.
Belgian sides Genk and Gent have shown an interest in the attacker, with the former fighting it out for Europa League Qualification.
Dapo Afolayan is entering the final year of his St Pauli contract and the interested clubs will be hopeful of a cut-price deal.
Writer’s View
Although not a prolific goalscorer, Afolayan would provide versatility and experience to any of the sides interested in his services.
He will have learned a great deal playing against some of Germany’s biggest clubs last season, scoring against the likes of Hoffenheim and Borussia Mönchengladbach.
