The Tuckster asks a big question before the end of Kei’s loan spell…
Should we sign Kei Kamara?
This is the question, ahead of the big man’s last game of his loan spell.
My thoughts are quite simply – No.
Kei has tremendous aerial ability that was shown in full focus when he came on as a late substitute against Everton and scored the equalising goal. He wins plenty of flick ons but not much else, in my opinion.
I think we have to judge him as a striker because this is where he has mostly played but we should also look at his ability to play as a right winger.
When he has played this role, most notably against Arsenal and Stoke in the recent away games, his impact has been patchy. He was certainly better at Arsenal but even with his size, he didn’t trouble Stoke.
CH has seen something in him, so much so that he has replaced Grant Holt as the lone front man on several occasions. But I don’t think he’s been that effective.
He doesn’t hold the ball up as well as Holt and his feet aren’t as good. Holding the ball up isn’t to my mind, Holt’s best attribute but he can bring others into play. Holt has always been better as one of two strikers and this is a major reason why he has struggled for goals this term.
Kamara is quicker than Holt and seems to have a good energy and obvious strength – I certainly wouldn’t want to mark him.
But is he really good enough if/when we stay up?
Next season’s purchase of RVW for roughly £8.5m is a statement of intent. We will rightly expect someone who can put the ball into the net for that sort of money. I fully expect that CH will look to buy another striker as well and wouldn’t be surprised if he went back for Gary Hooper.
Where does that leave Kei Kamara?
Well, Simeon Jackson looks like his City career is over. I’m not sure why we bought Becchio as he is never given a chance ahead of Holt or KK and he has been reduced to late cameos.
Kamara could in my mind be a good impact player, exactly as he was against Everton. But what about Grant Holt? Surely the City legend will be playing this role next season.
With two years left on his contract and no likely interest from any other PL clubs and his wages likely to prohibit a Championship move, I see Holt staying.
That’s not to say he wouldn’t be put up as a part ex in a deal for Hooper – the big man would score by the hatful up there and be closer to his beloved Carlisle.
So, back to Kamara – he has definitely had an impact on the club and for his goal against Everton alone, as well as the assist for Hoolahan’s goal against QPR he has been a success.
But as one for the future? I think we have to say thank you and all the best.
OTBC