Journalist shares ‘desperate’ West Brom transfer news amid takeover speculation
Lewis Cox has shared an update on the transfer situation at West Brom, claiming the club may not be able to turn down offers in January, and would only bring somebody in if they could make the finances work.
The Express & Star journalist shared that if the squad is desperate, moves could be made to back Carlos Corberan in the transfer market, but otherwise, the focus is on sales.
Cox also mentions that the situation regarding the potential takeover of the club will not affect the transfer business, even if there is an update before the January transfer window.
Speaking to the Express & Star [15 October], Cox shared: “Unfortunately, given the situation, every player has a price. Albion can’t simply dismiss these [bids] out of hand, because of the situation they have to take them seriously.
“Okay, if they’re way off the valuations, they will say no, but they may find themselves in a position where they simply can’t afford to say no to an offer. That will be one to monitor certainly. We are told that will be the situation regardless of if anything happens with the takeover or investment.
“I’ve seen murmurs online about worries about a fire sale in January, but that’s certainly not my understanding of the situation, however, it could well become a difficult situation for Albion if there are decent approaches for their players. But I wouldn’t fear a fire sale situation.
“If, when all that happens in January, Carlos Corberan is left totally short in a position, I’d imagine the club will do what they can to support him. Be it by a loan, or an unlikely situation of a free agent still knocking around in the new year.
“If they can make the finances work, if the club are really desperate and the squad really requires it, I’d imagine they would make a move for Corberan in that situation.”
As you were
Ultimately, the transfer situation at West Brom is very much as it was in the summer. The wage bill needs to be lowered, that will likely be through sales, but the club will try to hold out for their players’ value rather than being forced into selling.
In terms of incomings, they are still limited to free agents unless a desperate situation emerges, but fingers crossed that the bulk of the squad can stay fit and healthy so that situation isn’t forced upon them.
Cox’s exploration of the idea of a financial loan to assist in the transfer market seems fairly far-fetched, but desperate times would call for desperate measures in that case. It should be assumed, though, that it will not come to that.
While takeover talks continue, it appears fans will have to be patient if they want to see change at the club, with next summer earmarked as a line in the sand as far as investment goes.
In other West Brom news, an approach was made for a free agent.