‘Dike exit nailed on’ as West Brom close in on perfect summer signing
West Brom are expected to be busy in this summer’s transfer window.
The Baggies fell short in their quest for promotion to the Premier League this season and sacked manager Tony Mowbray in April.
Ryan Mason was recently appointed as the new boss at The Hawthorns, and he’s expected to be backed in the transfer market.
Now that Mason has been hired, fans can expect to hear of new recruits arriving at the club shortly.
Dike could be shown exit door if Lawrence Shankland signs
The possible signing of Lawrence Shankland is the most exciting transfer news coming out of The Hawthorns so far this summer.
The Hearts forward has scored 68 goals in 137 appearances for the Edinburgh club. He is a proven goalscorer who can also drop deep and transform into a playmaker, and he’s available on a free transfer, making him the perfect summer signing.
Reports suggest that Shankland is “close” to agreeing terms with West Brom, but this signing could spell the end of Daryl Dike’s career at the Hawthorns.
Dike has been toiling away in the West Midlands since January 2022, but he has struggled to truly make an impact in English football.
The American striker registered only 11 appearances in the Championship this season, and his opportunities could be more limited if Shankland is drafted in.
He scored his first goal in over a year during West Brom’s final-day victory against Luton Town, but many fans have lost patience with him.
Mason will need to be savvy in this summer’s transfer market
The board will be keen to back Ryan Mason, given the club’s collapse toward the end of this season.
It’s unclear how much money will be available for him, though. West Brom have recently outlined concerns about meeting profit and sustainability rules.
So, it might be on Mason to show some savviness in the transfer market in his first managerial role.
That might mean ruthlessly axing squad members whom he doesn’t fancy to create space for new signings.
| Appearances | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists |
| 11 | 224 | 1 | 1 |
Dike is a name that immediately comes to mind here, although he’s likely to be given the chance to prove himself during pre-season.
Some might argue that Dike and Shankland are different types of forwards who could complement each other in a new-look Baggies attack.
However, Mason tends to prefer playing with one main striker supported by two wingers and a number 10, meaning Dike will surely be the fall guy.