Morrison says Bielik sale ‘gives us an opportunity’ as West Brom eye late-window reinforcements | OneFootball

West Brom have sold Krystian Bielik to Championship rivals Cardiff for an eye-catching fee, with James Morrison saying the deal could open up options before the deadline.

“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,” he told ExpressAndStar.com.

“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.”

The 28-year-old Poland international completed his move to Championship new boys Cardiff on Wednesday as they addressed an availability issue at centre-back. It is understood Bielik, who spent one season at The Hawthorns and had two years left on his deal, moved for about £2.5 million after just 11 league starts for the Baggies.

The fee, a profit on his signing 12 months earlier, will help Albion target areas of concern before next Tuesday’s deadline, notably out wide, with Kareem Tunde set to sign up front and in midfield.

Albion are not expected to prioritise a central defensive replacement given options including George Campbell, Nat Phillips and Chris Mepham, plus versatile choices such as Ousmane Diakite and Conor Townsend.

Morrison’s side fell 3-2 in the EFL Cup at a packed St James’ Park on Wednesday night, their first defeat of the season, and will remain in the north east until after Saturday lunchtime’s trip to Middlesbrough.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com

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