West Brom ‘set for excellent striker transfer’ as Charlie Kelman deal ready
West Brom could potentially seal some impressive business soon by signing QPR striker Charlie Kelman this transfer window.
The 23-year-old centre-forward spent last season on loan at Leyton Orient in League One, putting in some impressive displays.
Now Kelman is a target at The Hawthorns as the Baggies look to bolster their squad ahead of next season, with
Ryan Mason will hope Josh Maja returns to his best after a long injury layoff, but the Albion can’t afford to take a risk regarding their attack in the upcoming campaign.
Kelman a very good striker as West Brom need to address issues
Kelman has the potential to be a very good striker amid interest from West Brom, Lee Hendrie says.
The Sky Sports pundit believes the Baggies needs to address their problems in the final third after struggling in that department last season.
Hendrie has seen enough from the American international last season to realise he can fulfil his potential in the coming years at The Hawthorns.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| League One | 46 | 21 | 5 |
Speaking to Football League World (2 July), he said: “Kelman had a brilliant season last season, and I think that West Brom — I’ve said this time after time — that’s an area that they’ve really struggled.
“He’s got bags of potential, and I think the one thing I do like about him watching him last season is I think he’s got that hunger and desire to prove that he’s worthy of being a very, very good striker.”
Mason must push for Maja replacement at West Brom this summer
Maja’s fitness issue at West Brom last season exposed their attacking frailties, with Tony Mowbray struggling to get the team firing.
The Nigeria international started the previous campaign in fine form as the Albion hope to secure their place in the play-offs.
With the 26-year-old sidelined, the West Midlands outfit were forced to bolster their attack in the winter transfer window, but failed to sign quality players.
Adam Armstrong’s stint at West Brom went off to a great start, but fans soon realised he wouldn’t be able to lead them to Wembley, and it would be surprising to see the Baggies re-sign the 28-year-old after his underwhelming loan spell from Southampton.
Kelman’s form in League One has garnered attention from the Albion, and he may be the centre-forward Mason needs to achieve success next season.
While the 23-year-old will have to prove himself to get ahead of Maja in the pecking order, the Nigerian striker’s consistent fitness issues mean the American will undoubtedly get his opportunities.
Karlan Grant, Devante Cole, Daryl Dike and Tammer Bany must step up in pre-season if they want a place in the starting lineup, as it wouldn’t be surprising to see Mason ask for more number nines this summer.
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