Carlos Corberan explains West Brom transfer decision after Brandon Thomas-Asante sale
Carlos Corberan explained the opportunity to sign Mikey Johnston is why he opted not to bring in a like-for-like replacement for Brandon Thomas-Asante at West Brom.
Thomas-Asante left The Hawthorns in the summer to join Coventry City, which opened the door for the permanent purchase of Mikey Johnston from Celtic.
Speaking to the Express & Star (13 September), the Spanish coach explained his decision to opt for a winger instead of a striker to replace Thomas-Asante.
Corberan said: “It looks like Johnston is something to make me happy, no? Or directly for me. Johnston is not for Carlos Corberan, he is for the attacking needs we have as a team. We sold – I don’t know if for the same money or close to it – Thomas-Asante, and it was important to replace the attacking option.
“Normally you replace one striker for another, but when the option appeared we understood as a club it was a very positive option.
“Not only in the short-term, which it is, but more for me in the project the club is doing.”
Will West Brom regret not signing a striker?
Josh Maja’s form at the beginning of this season has been superb, with four goals and an assist in four Championship matches.
That said, if the 25-year-old picks up an injury, the Baggies could struggle to find a replacement who will provide the same return.
Daryl Dike is still injured, Devante Cole was brought in mainly as a squad option and Karlan Grant is a more versatile attacker, so if Maja were unavailable the Baggies might find themselves short of firepower.
On the flip side, if Maja – who missed a large period of last season through injury – can stay fit then he himself will almost feel like a new signing.
With that in mind, each of the three replacement players could do a job up front, especially if the likes of Tom Fellows and new winger Johnston can give them golden opportunities.
West Brom’s reasons for choosing the Irishman over another striker are valid, and could prove to be beneficial if they reach the Premier League in May.
In other West Brom news, Carlos Corberan has revealed which player is the perfect utility man.
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