West Brom: Don Goodman shares what Carlos Corberan will make of January transfer business at The Hawthorns
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Don Goodman as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns.
Don Goodman does not believe Carlos Corberan will be frustrated by a lack of permanent arrivals at West Brom in the January transfer window.
The Baggies’ precarious financial situation, owing to takeover talks dragging on, has made recruiting players this month difficult.
Andreas Weimann and inexperienced teen Callum Marshall have joined on loan from Bristol City and West Ham respectively so far this month.
Jeremy Sarmiento returned to parent club Brighton and Hove Albion, meanwhile, and Taylor Gardner-Hickman was sold to Bristol City.
The fact West Brom are fifth in the Championship with limited resources is huge credit to Corberan, who many believe is a Premier League manager in waiting.
However, Goodman insists Corberan will understand the state of affairs at The Hawthorns, which could all change once a takeover is complete.
“He’ll be aware of the financial situation, as he has been from the minute he walked through the door,” Goodman told West Brom News.
“It’s obvious to all that West Bromwich Albion were struggling financially. What they need is for somebody to take the club over and invest a little bit.
“It won’t take massive amounts of investment to get West Brom to where he wants them to be. West Brom are not at the same level as the current top four at the moment.
“I’m sure with a bit of investment they could be knocking on the door of that level, which is what he will want. All managers want players, but at the same time he’s realistic enough to know that they can’t spend what they haven’t got.
“Then it becomes about the loan market and going out on a whim to get high-quality Premier League loanees through the door. Basically, there’s no real point for me in West Brom bringing squad players in at the minute.
“I think they need a calibre of player who is going to go straight into the team and play in the first XI week in and week out.
“That’s the signing West Bromwich Albion need, but we can all acknowledge that January is a very difficult market. Everyone wants a striker and nobody is getting one – they’re like gold dust.
“I expect that Carlos is realistic and it’s about how he can use his influences to attract the calibre of player that can improve West Brom.
“They’ve got to do something about their away form and their goalscoring – scoring goals is clearly an area they need help with.”
In other West Brom news, Chris Lepkowski has reacted to something “weird” spotted ahead of the game against Wolves.
For more West Brom news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.