West Brom transfers: Lewis Cox shares what he’s heard about attacker signings
Lewis Cox expects West Brom to add just one striker to their ranks during the winter transfer window.
Top scorer Josh Maja is out injured and set to be sidelined for a minimum of four weeks leaving Tony Mowbray in need of attacking reinforcements.
However, after four different players scored five goals against Portsmouth on Saturday (25 January), it will have been a bit of a relief for the boss.
Signings are expected before the transfer window closes and Express and Star journalist Cox said on the Baggies Broadcast Podcast (29 January): “I wouldn’t rule out two attacking signings but I don’t expect to see two natural centre-forwards come in because I just think from what I’ve heard, and from how I see it that you’ve got Maja, you’ve got Daryl Dike and as things are going, touch wood, no setbacks he’s not far away.
“Now obviously no one knows how he’s going to settle back in and how that’s going to go for him but he’s very much another body in contention. Karlan Grant was left out and he’s been in the front two for the last however many months.
“Maja, yes he’s a month and a bit away but that could quickly go so with any luck, with an addition as well, options and good options will return and I think after Saturday Jed Wallace has proved himself, alright only one occasion, but as a potential option in that position.
“Grady Diangana has played it for what two games now maybe three, scoring goals, creating assists so it’s rather encouraging at this moment that Mowbray has got a tune out of a team that doesn’t have a natural striker in it.”
West Brom need another striker
Although Mowbray will have been relieved that his side proved they could score goals throughout the team against Portsmouth, as a side who are pushing towards a place in the play-offs this term, the Baggies cannot afford to miss the chance to improve their front line.
Maja has contributed 12 goals and two assists in 26 Championship appearances for Albion this term and therefore, his contribution to the team will need to be replaced by having a proven goalscorer in the team.
That being said, Cox was right as he pointed out that there are players in the side that can contribute to the side’s attacking efforts which does relieve some of the pressure when it comes to bringing in a goal scorer.
Therefore, bringing in two out-and-out strikers could flood Mowbray in this position whereas bringing in supporting players alongside that could give the boss more freedom which suits him well.
With Albion pushing towards a top-six finish this term, it is crucial that the manager covers all bases and ensures his side have exactly who they need to succeed.
In other West Brom news, a late January update has emerged on a Albion sale amid Premier League news.
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