View: West Brom could miss out on perfect attacking solution Daryl Dike
West Brom could face a stumbling block in signing centre forward Daryl Dike in January amid Premier League interest for the marksman.
The Orlando striker caught the attention of many in England during his successful loan spell at Barnsley, with 90min suggesting this week that Leeds are interested.
Albion may struggle to sign the player due to a lack of funds with Premier League teams also said to be interested in the American.
“Dike’s stock was already pretty high before he gave it a go at Barnsley, but it’s already gone up from there,” Chris Smith told BirminghamLive. “Despite only a small amount of senior experience in MLS, he was quickly able to adjust to the rigours of the Championship, too.
“There’s little to worry about now when he does get a permanent move to Europe – he’s already proven he can mix it. Probably the biggest thing about his time with Barnsley is how it’s pushed him up the conversation for the USMNT’s No.9 spot.
“Initially, he was a little slow and rusty when he came back, but that owed mostly to carrying a couple of injuries. In his final 11 games of the MLS season, he scored eight goals, including one in the Playoffs against Nashville. He’s back to scoring all sorts of goals, looking sharp and not giving defenders a moment’s peace.”
Potential
Dike is a player with huge potential. Having already made his US national team debut, Orlando are well aware of the talent they have on their hands and will not depart with their starlet for anything less than what they value him.
Orlando were successful in boosting his worth after a productive loan deal to Barnsley. Which could work in the Baggies favour if they decide to loan him out again in order to showcase him to the European market – albeit a very slim chance as the Premier League’s Crystal Palace and Leeds monitor the forward.
One factor that bodes well for the Albion is the relationship Ismael and Dike were able to build during the pair’s time at Oakwell. Dike was phenomenal under Ismael at Barnsley and could replicate this for the Baggies.
He is tried and tested in the Championship and has already proven he has all of the attributes to lead the line in an Ismael team.
If West Brom manage to secure the starlet, it could spark a much-needed rejuvenation in their form as they push for automatic promotion.
In other West Brom news, Okay Yokuslu keen on West Brom move in January.