West Brom had been linked to Sasa Kalajdzic as the striker exited Premier League club Wolves this summer; however, the Baggies had been interested in bringing the attacker to their club ahead of the deadline.
Ryan Mason has made some fine additions to his West Brom side this summer that have hit the ground running, with one example being Nat Phillips.
West Brom have made their feelings known about losing Tom Fellows to Southampton but have not expressed anything regarding their inability to sign the former Wolves striker Sasa Kalajdzic.
However, he has now made his feelings clear on why he decided not to sign for West Brom this summer.
Sasa Kalajdzic on joining LASK
The Wolves striker had been a target for West Brom earlier in the summer window, as they were chasing attacking options; however, he would join LASK on loan ahead of the transfer deadline in England.
Sasa Kalajdzic joined Wolves in 2022 for £15 million; however, he hasn’t managed to live up to expectations, making only 14 appearances, finding the net on three occasions due to a long-term injury.
He has explored a move away from Wolves this summer as a way to revitalise his career and help his international chances as he aims to be part of the Austria squad for the World Cup.
Sasa Kalajdzic for Wolves against Everton
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Now speaking to La Ola about his move, he said: “I’m very happy to be here. This was the best solution for everyone involved; both clubs resolved this very quickly. It’s important for me to get match practice, and Wolverhampton have supported me a lot in this.
“I just want to enjoy football, stay healthy, get as many minutes as possible, and consistently perform at a good level. LASK can offer me that. We have a good team and a good environment; I know some of the players from my past, and I’ve only heard good things about them.”
Nat Phillips on his move to West Brom
While Ryan Mason and West Brom will have been disappointed not to land Sasa Kalajdzic, they did land one of their targets over the summer, Nat Phillips and he is loving life at the Hawthorns, scoring twice in his first four Championship games for the Baggies.
Nat Phillips of Derby County passes the ball during the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End FC and Derby County FC
Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images
Speaking to Birmingham Live, he said: “Throughout my career so far I’ve been here, there and everywhere on loan, so when West Brom let me know early doors that they wanted to commit to me, it was a nice feeling and gave me a lot of confidence.
“I’ve wanted to repay that, so I am just doing my best to try and put in as many positive and good performances as possible.”