Steve Madeley: West Brom unlikely to sign Daryl Dike in January
West Brom will struggle to sign Orlando City striker Daryl Dike in January, according to The Athletic’s Steve Madeley.
The Express & Star reported last month (13 November) that the 21-year-old was the club’s priority target for the transfer window, while Don Goodman urged Albion to sign the “powerhouse” centre forward.
Valerien Ismael coached Dike at Barnsley last season, when the American netted nine goals in 22 appearances.
In a Q&A on The Athletic, Madeley was asked by a supporter how close West Brom were to signing Dike in the summer and what the chances were he could make the move to The Hawthorns next month.
“He was on the radar, but it was never close,” the journalist replied. “It became clear fairly early that Orlando would want too much money for him.
“Unless they lower their sights, I think that might well be a problem again in January.”
Missing out
West Brom desperately need to sign a new striker in January, as a lack of cutting edge has been their major downfall in recent games.
As a team, Albion have scored just two goals in their last six matches, while Callum Robinson has not found the net since August and loanee Jordan Hugill has scored just once all season.
Dike would be the perfect antidote to those attacking woes, having netted 10 goals in 18 appearances for Orlando since returning from his loan at Barnsley in the summer.
Yet once again, the Baggies’ reluctance to spend in the transfer market could end up costing them on the pitch.
Valerien Ismael was not given any money to spend in the summer and was left to shape his squad with free transfers and loan signings.
Without showing intent in the January window, the club will struggle to compete for promotion back to the Premier League.
In other West Brom news, the Baggies want to sign a forward currently playing for a Championship rival.
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