West Brom have to sign former Wolves star as they ready January loan swoop
West Brom could do a lot worse than to consider a move for Willy Boly from Nottingham Forest in the January transfer window.
Carlos Corberan is currently tearing his hair out at his frail defensive options following injuries to Kyle Bartley, Semi Ajayi and Paddy McNair, with Mason Holgate and Torbjorn Heggem currently his only fit options at centre-half.
Boly, who played 147 times for bitter rivals Wolves between 2017 and 2022, is out of favour at Nottingham Forest having not featured since August, with his contract at the City Ground set to expire next summer.
Whether supporters would immediately take to his arrival would be a heavy doubt, but an experienced player at 33, settled in the Midlands and ready to slot straight in on a potential short-term deal or loan could be suitable.
West Brom in dire need of defenders
The Baggies prided themselves on a resolute defence last season, and losing the likes of Cedric Kipre and Conor Townsend was a bitter blow, but the club were managing Bartley’s existing knee problem while he partnered Ajayi.
With Bartley then forced to get his inevitable minor surgery out the way, McNair – at the Hawthorns on a short-term deal – partnered Ajayi to positive effect, albeit in a team without a win since 21 September.
The duo have now each sustained hamstring injuries, which has opened the door to players such as Callum Styles and Gianluca Frabotta – the latter is now also a doubt to face Burnley [Express & Star, 6 November] on Thursday night [7 November].
The rain is pouring for Corberan, whose next option is to delve into the academy setup, and his Albion side are desperate for a win having drawn their last five. To survive so plagued by injury until January is a mammoth task in itself, with 11 games before the winter window opens.
When that time does come a player like Boly, despite his history down the road, could be the ideal solution to fill the void.
Other players who could be drafted in include Aston Villa youngster Lamare Bogarde, 20, who has featured sparingly for Unai Emery’s side and the two clubs have never been shy in doing business at various levels.
Another interesting situation no doubt being tracked by leading Championship clubs is that of Rob Holding, 29, who has been cast out to the Under-21s at Crystal Palace and has not featured in the Premier League since joining from Arsenal in 2023.
In other West Brom news, changes are expected against Burnley as Corberan scratches around for a winning formula.
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