Tony Pulis 'frustrated' at bonkers transfer market but understands West Brom's business model
Tony Pulis is frustrated at feeding off scraps in a transfer market that makes ‘no sense’ - but insists Albion’s business model is still one to be praised.
Pulis confirmed that new owner Guochuan Lai is hoping to run the club at a profit, just like former chairman Jeremy Peace did. But he said that should be expected following an influx of £120million in TV cash this summer.
The head coach admitted the Baggies struggle to complete deals quickly, but he said this was down to their place in the food chain.
“We need players but I accept that it’s difficult to get the players you want of the quality we need,” said Pulis. “We can’t do things quickly, we can’t spend £52m on a right back (like Manchester City).
“Although we sit on the top table, the top six or seven feast on the food and we have to hang around for the scraps and pick the best we can to take the club forward.”
Albion have bought Jay Rodriguez for £12m rising to £15m this summer, and this week completed the loan signing of Ahmed Hegazi for £875,000.
Pulis called it the ‘perfect deal’ because it is a low-risk investment coupled with an option to buy the Egyptian centre-back next summer for £3.5m should he impress.
But the Baggies boss said it was becoming increasingly problematic doing business in a summer of spiralling fees.
“It’s difficult because you are in a market with no sense,” he said. “I’m happy to take the mantle on although it can be frustrating at times.
“This club has actually made money,” he added. “That’s the way the club wants to run. It’s a good model.
“Enormous amounts of money come this football club and it should be able to run on a profit.”
