Back to drawing board for Carlos Corberan as West Brom-linked Oscar Fraulo transfer news emerges
Carlos Corberan must go back to the drawing board as West Brom target Oscar Fraulo closes in on a loan move from Borussia Mönchengladbach to a Dutch side, according to Florian Plettenberg.
The Sky Sports Germany journalist reported tweeted (16 August) that the Danish youth international’s loan deal is “close to be done”, meaning that the Baggies have missed out on his signature.
German journalist Dominik Schneider reported on Thursday (10 August) that West Brom were among five European clubs to inquire about the 19-year-old, meaning the Baggies will have to start afresh before the window closes to strengthen their midfield.
Carlos Corberan’s side has not got off to the greatest start in the new season. Having lost their opening two matches of the season, a lot of any possible optimism was lost. Their victory against Swansea did boost morale, but there is still plenty to be done to improve
While defensive issues remain an issue at the Hawthorns following poor displays across all three matches so far, the middle of the park is an area that Corberan must address before the end of the window.
The midfield has lacked creativity and while the likes of Okay Yokuslu and Taylor Gardner-Hickman have performed for the Baggies, a different option from the bench is vital to get the midfield kicking.
But the same issue rears its head again at West Brom. The lack of finance at the club makes it tough for much mobility in the transfer market.
However, if West Brom can utilise the loan and free agent market, as they have with Jeremy Sarmiento from Brighton on loan and Josh Maja following his Bordeaux deal expiring, they could bring in first-team quality reinforcements.
Following the Baggies’ win against Swansea, Corberan did not hold back when discussing his side’s three issues.
As reported by the Express and Star (12 August), he said: “In transitions, we didn’t manage enough well to create more chances. Defensively, they didn’t create any problems but from set-pieces, in the second half, we suffered more and we gave them possibilities to draw or win. They’re the three aspects we need to improve.”
If his side are struggling to “create chances”, perhaps Corberan needs to be targeting this profile of player. According to Transfermarkt, Fraulo can play across centre-midfield, including attacking midfield, so at least they are looking for the appropriate profile.
The window is edging closer to deadline day, and Corberan will be busy if he wants improvements at the Hawthorns.
In other West Brom news, Alex Iwobi sent a two-word message to a Baggies star following their Swansea victory.