The newspaper reported on its website on Saturday (22 July) that the midfielder’s proposed move to the Israeli club collapsed.
Chalobah was then handed 45 minutes by West Brom manager Carlos Corberan in the club’s 2-2 pre-season friendly draw with Burton Albion on Saturday.
“Many were surprised to see the midfielder named in the squad – considering he was heavily linked with a move away in midweek,” according to the Express & Star.
“Before the game it was confirmed that the midfielder’s move to Maccabi Haifa in Israel had fallen through – and he was given 45 minutes at Burton. He didn’t do a lot wrong but you struggle to see him forcing a starting place in a fully fit Albion side.
“If another offer comes in you imagine the club will listen to it – given the fact he looked set to leave this week. However, if he stays fit, he’s a solid back up for Corberan.”
Chalobah is definitely a good option to have at the club, particularly amid the tight funds at The Hawthorns, which means bringing in new faces is a very difficult task.
If he is fighting for a place in Corberan’s plans next season, the midfielder is running out of time, with West Brom getting their Championship campaign up and running against Blackburn Rovers on 5 August.
But perhaps all parties have made up their minds regarding his future, and that it is now simply a waiting game.
It remains to be seen how much money the Albion would get for his sale, but any amount of money would no doubt be beneficial to the club in the long run.
That was the case for star defender Dara O’Shea, with the Republic of Ireland international leaving for Premier League side Burnley earlier this summer.
Corberan looks set to be up against it in the dugout once again, with fans perhaps sceptical of a positive finish next season given the ongoing worries behind the scenes.
In other West Brom news, a journalist has reacted to worry at The Hawthorns, claiming the club can be saved “quickly.”
