Allardyce reveals Brexit has already battered West Brom transfer plans
West Brom boss Sam Allardyce has revealed how new Brexit regulations have already harmed his plans for the January transfer window.
The Baggies‘ boss has ended interest in three players because they cannot earn a work permit.
Under the UK’s new relationship with the rest of Europe, points will be awarded for senior and youth international appearances, club appearances and the pedigree of the selling club.
West Brom sit second bottom of the Premier League after Saturday’s 4-0 defeat to Arsenal. As such, the West Midlanders need new recruits in their bid to survive.
But Allardyce is struggling in his search for January reinforcements amid the new red tape.
The manager said: “I have found three players already who were capable of coming here and they’re not allowed. It’s a shame.
“Due to the new regulations in terms of the permit they were unable to come to this country, whereas [previously] they would have done. I have to look at that and think ‘can he qualify?’
“That has made life a bit more difficult. It’s not so much the pandemic, it’s the change of rules because of the Brexit deal.
“We will do what we can and finding a player in this pandemic is going to be the hardest window I have ever worked in.
“No disrespect to my players here because they are all working as hard as they can but I do have to find better to lift the squad.
“Whatever player comes in they have to be better than what we have and capable of going into the team almost immediately.”
Allardyce warns West Brom not coping
Meanwhile, Allardyce said after the defeat to Arsenal that his team are struggling to cope this season.
Despite earning a point away at Liverpool, the Baggies have conceded nine goals in their last two games.
As such, the manager is hoping that his players improve as they look to avoid relegation.