The conclusion of the 2014 transfer window marked the arrival of Sebastian Blanco, a relatively unfamiliar face in the world of football, to West Bromwich Albion from Metalist Kharkiv in Ukraine. The winger, acquired for £1.6 million, made only a handful of appearances for the Baggies before returning to his homeland of Argentina.
Unexpectedly, Blanco later ventured into Major League Soccer, establishing a successful career across the Atlantic. Remarkably, he currently plies his trade in the top tier of Argentine football at the age of 36, showcasing resilience after his English setback.
Blanco’s move to Metalist for €8.7 million represented a pivotal decision, influenced by Ukraine’s political turmoil. West Brom’s acquisition of the attacking midfielder at a bargain price seemed strategic, given the rarity of South American talents transferring from Ukraine to England.
Excitement ensued among West Brom fans, envisioning the impact Blanco could make following an impressive goal-scoring stint at Metalist. However, the reality fell short of expectations as Blanco struggled to make an impact on the pitch, managing only a few appearances without contributing to goals or assists.
Ultimately, Blanco’s tenure at West Brom was short-lived as he swiftly returned to Argentina, joining San Lorenzo initially on loan before a permanent move materialized in 2015. Despite the underwhelming outcome, both parties seemingly moved on without significant losses.
The subsequent transfer deal with San Lorenzo potentially allowed West Brom to recoup a considerable portion of their investment, hinting at a close-to-even financial outcome despite Blanco’s minimal impact. Blanco, on his part, refocused and revitalized his career in Argentina, demonstrating his abilities with goal contributions in league matches the following season.
Having astonished fans in his home country, he eventually secured a transfer to MLS outfit Portland Timbers in a lucrative $4 million agreement. His standout performance in 2018, where he scored 10 goals and provided 10 assists in 31 league matches, cemented his status as a vital player for the Oregon-based team for several seasons. This remarkable evolution was a stark contrast to his underwhelming early days as a winger at West Brom, a transformation that likely caught Baggies supporters off guard.
With his stature in the sport revived, Blanco, now in the twilight of his playing career, made a sentimental return to his roots in Argentina by reuniting with San Lorenzo at the age of 35 earlier this year to conclude his time on the field.
Even as a peripheral figure upon his return to one of his cherished clubs, Blanco managed to contribute an assist in a brief appearance against Newell’s Old Boys in July, demonstrating flashes of his undeniable skill late in his career in the midst of a highly competitive league.
While his stint at The Hawthorns may not have left lasting memories for anyone involved, fortunately, all parties emerged from the situation unharmed.