'Gives us an opportunity' - West Brom boss responds to defender sale to Championship rivals
Albion completed the sale of experienced defender Krystian Bielik to a Championship rival for an eye-catching fee on Wednesday.
James Morrison confirmed the fee Albion received for defender Krystian Bielik could open up opportunities in the final week of the transfer window.
Experienced Polish centre-back Bielik, 28, completed a move to Championship new boys Cardiff on Wednesday as the south Wales side sought to address an availability issue in that department.
It is understood Bielik, who spent just a season at The Hawthorns and had two years to run on his deal, moved for a fee of £2.5million after just 11 league starts for the Baggies.
The healthy fee, a profit on his signing 12 months earlier, will help Albion address areas of concern in their squad prior to next Tuesday’s deadline, notably out wide - with Kareem Tunde set to sign - up front and in midfield.
Morrison told the Express & Star: “The club felt it was a good offer.
“Krystian wanted to go and play some football. I love him as a player, I love him as a lad, but I had to respect that he wanted to come and play a lot of football.
“We had four good centre-backs, but it gives us an opportunity to strengthen in areas that we want.
“It gives us an opportunity to look at players that we want to get in (certain) positions.”
Morrison’s men caught the eye despite a first defeat of the season in Wednesday night’s 3-2 EFL Cup exit at a packed St James’ Park.
Albion will remain in the north east until after Saturday lunchtime’s Championship clash at Middlesbrough.
It is not expected the Baggies will prioritise a central defensive replacement for Bielik given options including George Campbell, Nat Phillips and Chris Mepham, as well as versatile options like Ousmane Diakite and Conor Townsend.