Sabah have a new angle on why Fenerbahce midfielder Josef de Souza failed to get a transfer to West Bromwich Albion, despite the two clubs agreeing a fee.
The Premier League side had a €11.5m bid accepted by Fenerbahce, and even though the player was keen on a move to West Brom, a deal never materialised.
In recent days the Turkish media have claimed Souza’s proposed move to West Brom collapsed due to personal terms. As we covered last week, Souza was offered €1.4m a season by West Brom, but the Brazilian was already being paid €2.2m by Fenerbahce
Sabah now claim during the final stages of discussions, West Brom agreed to match what Souza currently earns at Fenerbahçe but the English club also wanted to include a clause, which meant his salary would be reduced 35% if they were relegated to the Championship.
There have been quite a few contradicting claims about why Souza’s move to West Brom failed, and it seems unlikely the player would reject a move because of this clause. Tony Pulis’ side aren’t expected to be in a relegation fight this season, and should at least finish mid-table.
What does seem apparent is that once West Brom agreed a loan deal for PSG midfielder Gregorz Krychiowak, it was unlikely Souza would be coming to England, despite a deal reportedly already being agreed.
