Saido Berahino had his West Brom breakthrough season in the 2013/2014 season when he scored a hatrick in his first game for the club in 3-0 League Cup win over Newport County and also the winning goal in the 2-1 win over Manchester United in Old Trafford.
This seemed to vindicate coach Steve Clark decision to make him Albion's main striker that season after Romelu Lukaku returned back to Chelsea at the end of his season loan deal and Peter Odewingie fell out of favour with Albion authorities after attempting a failed transfer to Queens Park Rangers. As if that wasn't enough, the then 20-year-old Burundi born striker announced his arrival at the very top of the Premier League scoring 20 goals in 45 games in all competitions for the Midland club the next season. If his talent was earlier doubted, his performances the next season made him England's most form striker behind Tottenham's Harry Kane. Although his goals helped Albion under Tony Pulis to finish in the top half of the table, it meant that Albion would struggle to hold unto their prized asset like "a proverbial golden fish in that had no hiding place in the water".
It was clear that Jeremy Pearce (Albion's Chairman) would have to make a big decision in the summer regarding the future of the striker who escaped from Burundi at a young age and was granted political asylum in Birmingham. Though there had been talks in the season for a new deal worth over £50,000-a-week, such talks was put on hold when the striker was arrested by the police in late November on suspicion of drink driving. Seizing the opportunity, Tottenham made a £15 million offer for the striker last summer which was bluntly rejected by their counterparts in Albion who stated that the club would only consider a bid that met the £25 million club valuation of him. What transpired after that is something both West Brom and Berahino might not be so proud of as Berahino stated on social media that he was unhappy with the way he was treated by Pearce and action which he followed by submitting a transfer request. This strained the relationship between club and player as West Brom had earlier forked out £12 million to sign Venezuelan Zenith St. Petersbrough striker Salomon Randon in a move described by fans as a direct Berahino replacement in case the striker was sold before the end of the transfer window .
Berahino did not make the first team until September 12, against Southampton which he came on as a substitute in a 0-0 drab draw. Though Berahino seemed to have gotten over the disappointment , his game suffered as his finishing , hold-up and direct play seemed a shadow of what it used to be the previous season. Having played.
West Brom might be regretting their decision to keep hold of him as his value appears to have depreciated judging from his poor four goals in 29 league games and seven in all competitions, registering no assist. This is in poor contrast with strike partner Salomon Randon who has scored seven goals on 30 league games plus two assists.
At only 22, it appears Berahino's heart is made up and far away from the Hawthorns. Keeping him at the club for another season will be detrimental for both player and club hence a serious bid from Tottenham or it's likes should be considered by the club with the money re-invested in signing a striker like Christian Benteke who will suit the physical and direct play of Tony Pulis.
For now it is imperative not to hold unto a player who doesn't want to wear the clubs colours.
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