Despite West Bromwich Albion dealing with financial constraints, the January transfer window presents an opportunity for the club to strengthen their squad and continue their push for promotion to the Premier League.
After being acquired by American businessman Shilen Patel for £60 million, the club still faces challenges stemming from previous ownership and is currently under an EFL-imposed business plan to adhere to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). This will likely limit their activity in the upcoming transfer window, with a sell-to-buy approach expected.
Nevertheless, West Brom managed to sign 11 new players in the summer, and their supporters are eager to see further additions to bolster the team’s push for top-flight football.
As the January window approaches, fan pundit Callum Burgess has suggested some targets for the club. Burgess recommends that West Brom focus on the loan market, specifically targeting players from Premier League clubs who haven’t been regular first-team picks. He said: “I think it would be smart for Albion to look at Premier League clubs and their reserve players to see who could make a potential impact during the second half of the season.”
He specifically mentioned players like Ronnie Edwards, who has had limited game time at Southampton since his summer move from Peterborough. Burgess believes that a loan move for Edwards would be a “real coup,” adding, “He would be a really good signing and suit Carlos Corberan’s style of play, and Corberan would be able to improve his defensive side of the game too.”
Burgess also suggested looking at Ipswich Town’s Ali Al-Hamadi, stating, “I would also love the club to look for another midfielder as well.” He emphasized that the ideal January scenario would involve signing Edwards and Al-Hamadi on loan, alongside a midfielder, and possibly an attacker if the opportunity arises. Burgess added, “When you look at West Brom’s attacking options off the bench with (John) Swift, (Grady) Diangana, (Lewis) Dobbin and (Jed) Wallace, they haven’t been able to contribute much when called upon, so another player who can impact games as a substitute will definitely be a priority for us.”
With the January window being a challenging time for negotiations, West Brom should aim to secure players who could make an immediate impact, like Edwards and Al-Hamadi. The team needs reinforcements at both ends of the pitch, with a central defender to partner Kyle Bartley and competition for leading scorer Josh Maja in attack.
A move for Al-Hamadi could be beneficial, as he is eager to prove himself after struggling to earn regular starts at Ipswich. The business Albion does in January will likely play a crucial role in determining their final standing this season.
