With news at the end of last week that young West Bromwich Albion striker Yuning Zhang had cancelled his long term loan out with Eredivisie side ADO Den Haag and was set to return to China on a third loan spell away from The Hawthorns since his quizzical arrival back in the summer of 2017 – fans continue to be perplexed by the signing.
The 22-year-old signed from Vitesse Arnhem shortly after new owner Lai Guochuan took charge of the club from Jeremy Peace but he immediately headed out for a spell on loan with Werder Bremen – and it didn’t go well with him not making a single appearance. His time in Holland has been slightly better as he has got some substitute appearances but the opening half of the season has been blighted by injuries.
Forgotten West Brom Signing Set For Third Loan Spell As Contract Is In Final 18 Months
Having been photographed back in China ahead of a reported spell with Beijing Sinobo Guoan, whilst that deal is still to be confirmed, I found the reactions on social media to the news quite entertaining and the original transfer has proved as useful to us as a club, as it has to the player who will no doubt want to get his career back on track.
Sad to see such a West Brom legend leave the club. I hope plans for his statue are announced in the coming days.
— James- A T I D (@James84507668) February 22, 2019
Lets face it, he was signed by an owner hoping we’d flog loads of albion shirts with Zhang on the back to gain personal profit but didn’t actually look into his quality or eligibility. Anyone would think he doesn’t have a clue & actually doesn’t care about the club ???? #wba
— Jamie Rossiter (@Jay89R) February 22, 2019
Thanks for the memories ????
— Nick Ganderton (@nick_wba_khfc) February 22, 2019
This transfer was a joke and an insult to WBA fans.
Anyone that thinks Lai paid for this needs there head read. So obvious the club brought him no question.
Lai should hang his head in shame blowing millions of clubs money on this kid and I’m not having he brought him no way— Stuart Hunt (@huntywbafc) February 22, 2019
The publicity stunt what went wrong
— Richard Downing (@rjdowning) February 22, 2019
That was the worst transfer I’ve seen brought him loaned him out and then now. Selling him ????
— Tyrellb15 (@Tyrellb152) February 22, 2019
Strangest signing
— Lee Johnson (@leizlandlee) February 22, 2019
The owners acted on their own steam in scouting and signing this player. Thankfully no money came from the club's coffers. Let's move on. I hope we will not have repeats of such charades. Why he was photographed with an Albion shirt is bizarre – he was never worthy to wear it.
— Conrad Chircop (@conradchircop) February 22, 2019