West Brom will need to make moves soon or risk being left behind
West Brom are in danger of being left behind in the Championship, as they become the only club in the second division not to have made a signing so far this summer, per a FootballAnalyst tweet.
West Brom chiefs and the boss Carlos Corberan have been forthcoming this summer in admitting bringing players to the club would be a difficult task in their current financial situation, but if they sit around for much longer they will be left behind.
It was admitted recently that West Brom’s focus this summer would be bringing players in on loan, and for that, you have to be patient. Premier League sides typically want their young players to be involved in pre-season preparations, before making loan decisions closer to the start of the proper season.
For West Brom, that could be fine. Waiting until Premier League clubs allow their best youngsters to leave on loan, then making a decision. But while everybody else in the league starts making moves, their patience could leave them wanting. Not to mention the risk that the ideal player never becomes available.
The Baggies’ ninth-placed finish last season saw them finish just three points outside of the playoff places, which was an achievement in itself given how they started the season, but as other clubs strengthen, West Brom could slip.
If you imagine that the three relegated Premier League sides will finish in the top 6, you then have space for three of the five teams who finished above West Brom left to make it, with each of them moving to strengthen their chances.
Then, the likes of Watford, Norwich and Swansea below them, who will be looking to rectify poor seasons last time out and will also be improving their squads, can also be considered to be moving ahead of the Baggies.
Ultimately, it’s a precarious position to be in. The Championship is as strong as it’s ever been, packed with ambitious clubs, and clubs who are willing to spend money. West Brom need to spend to stay competitive or be left behind.
In other West Brom news, a senior player has been granted permission to leave the Hawthorns.