West Brom’s Championship rivals in talks to sign Hawthorns flop
West Brom are aiming to transform their squad into promotion candidates this summer, with many Championship clubs aiming to follow suit.
The next few weeks could well decide the Baggies’ 2025/26 campaign. West Brom are still searching for a new manager after Tony Mowbray was sacked.
Promotion to the Premier League is the goal, and every day that this is not resolved is a day of preparation lost.
However, there are plenty of other Championship clubs in the same boat, with four currently with a head coach.
Yet, this has not stopped Norwich City from attempting to build their squad for the next campaign, as the club confirmed that they are in talks to re-sign former Baggies flop Lewis Dobbin.
Norwich City aim to re-sign Aston Villa’s Lewis Dobbin on loan
Dobbin was signed by West Brom in August after moving to their West Midlands rivals in the summer.
However, during his spell at The Hawthorns under Carlos Corberan, Dobbin was poor at the Baggies and was unable to score a single goal.
| Lewis Dobbin at West Brom | |
| Appearances | 18 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
This resulted in Villa recalling the winger, and he was then sent back on loan to Championship rivals Norwich City.
Here, the 22-year-old found form and netted twice in 10 appearances before picking up an injury which ruled him out until the end of the season.
However, it now seems that the former West Brom flop could be returning to the Championship next season as Norwich aim to renew Dobbins’ loan for next season.
In a statement regarding their retained list, Norwich City (13 May) said: “Discussions remain ongoing with Aston Villa and Lewis Dobbin over a potential extension to his loan deal.”
West Brom must complete their summer transfer business early
While the signing of Dobbin clearly didn’t work at The Hawthorns, it is concerning that their Championship rivals are already attempting to make signings for the upcoming campaign.
West Brom need to be ahead of the game this summer if they are to challenge for promotion, and if they also make some signings early, it would no doubt help the incoming manager.
The Baggies cannot let any of their Championship rivals gain any advantage, but as it stands, West Brom are behind.