Bristol City striker Andreas Weimann is in “advanced talks” with West Bromwich Albion reports Bristol Live.
The 32-year-old is currently the club captain at Bristol City however has been struggling for game time this season due to injuries and a change of management which has seen Weimann fall out of favour under former Oxford United boss, Liam Manning.
The Austrian international has so far made 21 appearances this season and scored one goal which came in a 4-1 win over Watford on Boxing Day. Manning named him in his first starting XI with the club but he has gone on to start only three more times since his tenure began.
Weimann has been at the club since 2018, making over 200 appearances for The Robins and scoring 51 goals in the process making him one of the longest-serving players at the club.
The striker now approaches his final 6-months in contract with the club, and it is understood there is a clause which, if met, would see that contract extended by a further year. However, with it becoming clear that Weimann is not part of Bristol’s long-term plans, a lack of game time for the player would likely ensue in the second half of the season.
West Brom are the current front runners for the striker who currently sit in 5th place, six points ahead of Bristol City who sit in 11th. West Brom are currently in the running for a play-off position and further firepower could be beneficial in that fight for promotion. The two sides meet at The Hawthorns on the 16th of March after their most recent league encounter ended in a 0-0 draw.
Writer’s View
Weimann has been a veteran for The Robins and would leave with the utmost respect from the Bristol City fanbase, especially after his glittering 21/22 where he played a major role in ensuring the side stayed in the Championship.
West Brom aren’t without adequate firepower in the Championship and with the return of Jed Wallace and John Swift from injuries, they certainly have enough to maintain their push. However, with Weimann’s contract being so short and the likelihood that he won’t get much game time due to the reported clause, West Brom could pick up a bargain of a striker for a fraction of his worth.
I think the signing is a very clever move from West Brom despite the striker not having the best start to the season.