New West Brom boss Alan Irvine continued his summer of restructuring by capturing striker Brown Ideye from Dynamo Kiev for a club record transfer deal. The 25-year-old arrives on a three-year contract and, in a clear statement of intent, has been handed the number nine shirt for the season ahead.
The Baggies’ new technical director, Terry Burton, confirmed that the Nigerian international was the club’s number one target for 2014/15, with Irvine moving quickly to improve upon a dismal campaign that saw the midlands outfit finish just three points ahead of the drop zone:
“When I arrived at Albion the recruitment department flagged Brown up as the man at the top of their wish list. It is a fantastic signing because of the quality and the potential of the player. I can see that he really wants to be here and that he really wants to be playing in the Premier League. He’s a dynamic player who likes to get in behind defenders and he has the pace to do so. He gets himself into good scoring positions in the box and if there are opportunities then he will get on the end of them. We’re looking forward to seeing him play for the club and scoring goals.”
The History
A product of the Bayelsa United youth system in his native Nigeria, Ideye helped Ocean Boys to the 2006-07 title after scoring once in five appearances. Snapped up by Swiss outfit Neuchatel Xamax in January 2008, he managed double-figures in both full seasons at the club, delivering 22 goals and 16 assists in 50 league appearances before making his way to French club Sochaux.
Ideye made a slow start to his career in France. Arriving midway through the 2009-10 campaign, he mustered just two goals in 17 matches before finding his form the following year, producing 15 goals and six assists in 35 Ligue 1 appearances.
Once again, he was on his travels after Dynamo Kiev shelled out for his services in July 2011 and Brown wasted little time in announcing himself to the Ukrainian league. Bagging a brace in each of his first two appearances, he proceeded to produce 45 goals and 13 assists in 107 matches across all competitions before agreeing the deal with the Baggies.
On the international stage, Brown was handed his Nigeria debut back in May 2010 and has since scored five times in 24 appearances for his country.
The Prospects
Brown’s ability to consistently get amongst the goals looks crucial for West Brom next season. The midlands club have failed to replace Romelu Lukaku after the Belgian served up 17 goals on loan during 2012/13 – despite splashing the cash on the likes of Stephane Sessegnon and Victor Anichebe at the start of the previous campaign, they found the net on just 43 occasions, with Sessegnon and Saido Berahino top scorers on a mere five goals apiece.
Standing five foot 11, Brown may not be able to match the physical attributes of Lukaku but he boasts an excellent work-rate and turn of pace, factors that have been badly missed since the Belgian’s exit. Given that Irvine has splashed out £10 million for the 25-year-old’s services, it’s fair to say that Brown can be expected to lead the line for the upcoming campaign, with his experience in the Champions League and on the international stage affording them vital quality up front.
Understandably, Fantasy faith is a little low in West Brom right now. Last season’s 16th place finish hardly inspires confidence, whilst Irvine’s lack of top-level experience is also disconcerting and may persuade most Fantasy managers to initially steer clear of the Baggies, handing us time to assess their form. So far in the pre-season, Irvine’s preferred formation has been a 4-2-3-1 and, with Brown nailed-on, the likes of Victor Anichebe and Saido Berahino will be hoping to grab a role on the flank in order to stay in the first-team picture.
Coming in at 7.3 in the Sky Sports game, Brown has yet to be added to Fantasy Premier League (FPL) but a ceiling of 6.5 looks the likeliest scenario. The opening schedule hands the Baggies three decent home matches (SUN, EVE, BUR) and a trip to Swansea in the first six and suggests Irvine’s team could get off to a steady start. If they are to prosper and avoid the troubles of 2013/14, the Nigerian’s contribution in the final third looks crucial.
Further Reference
Brown Ideye Transfer Markt Page
