West Bromwich Albion have been handed a further boost in their pursuit of Ryan Porteous…
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That’s according to Pete O’Rourke, who offered some supplementary information to an earlier report that noted the Baggies’ interest in the Hibernian centre-back.
He told Football League World: “I think that Championship clubs definitely have a good chance of getting someone like Ryan Porteous.
“Some of the bigger clubs can compete with the likes of Celtic and Rangers on wages. Obviously, the appeal of moving to England is very strong for a lot of players in Scotland as well. It’s an opportunity to go to an ambitious Championship club and a team maybe fighting for promotion to the Premier League.
“The fact that he’s out of contract in the summer as well will also increase their chances of landing him because he won’t be as expensive.”
Their own Alan Hansen
To sign this Scottish stalwart will instantly have him drawing comparisons with his legendary compatriot Alan Hansen, who starred at the back for Liverpool on his way to making 597 appearances for the club and 26 more for his country.
Can West Brom get promoted this season?
Described as “a defender with the pedigree of an international striker”, Bob Paisley was full of praise for the now 67-year-old who used to dominate at Anfield. He continued “He is quite simply the most skilful centre-half I have ever seen in the British game.”
Whilst these are lofty ambitions, Porteous will surely have aspirations of reaching the levels that the Reds legend did on his way to winning eight league titles, two FA Cups, four EFL Cups and three European Cups too after a move from north of the border where he featured for Partick Thistle.
Like Porteous’ Hibs, they are hardly one of the traditional ‘giants’ of the Scottish game, proving that you don’t need to have played for the Old Firm clubs to become a big success story.
The 23-year-old does boast similar elements to his game too, with bravery and power matched with the technical ability needed to thrive in the modern game.
These characteristics have culminated in his brilliant personal campaign, where he is averaging a 7.29 rating thus far alongside 1.3 tackles, 3.6 clearances per game and an 80% pass accuracy (via Sofascore).
John Hughes suggested that his performances have often put a target on his back, with him being “a heart-on-sleeve, full-blooded type of player.” As such, he is sure to be a success should he make the switch to a division that prides itself on its physicality.
Having started the season poorly, new boss Carlos Corberan has managed to turn what seemed like a campaign destined for a relegation battle into one which can spur dreams of the playoffs once more.
The January addition of Porteous could be the perfect catalyst to continue their red-hot form, solidifying a back four already impressing with a defender looking to mirror the great Hansen.
