West Brom face ‘fresh PSR obstacle’ after latest transfer news
West Brom have been active in the transfer window so far.
The Baggies have secured the signing of Nat Phillips for £3million from Liverpool, whilst five players, including Grady Diangana, have departed on free transfers.
The Midlands side are looking to bolster their squad ahead of Ryan Mason’s maiden season in charge, after a poor year saw West Brom miss the play-offs entirely.
However, recent transfer developments have raised concerns about the Profit and Sustainability rules at The Hawthorns.
PSR issues arise as Mikey Johnston transfer collapses
Aune Heggebo is set to become the Baggies’ big signing of the summer.
The Norwegian striker has arrived in Austria to finalise a £4.75m deal from Brann, before he joins up with the West Brom squad for their pre-season camp.
One name who was expected to depart The Hawthorns was Mikey Johnston, after a shock £5m deal had been agreed with Brazilian side Flamengo.
However, the move has fallen through after Flamengo withdrew from the deal following backlash from supporters.
Joe Chapman has reported that the collapse of the Irishman’s transfer has presented a PSR “obstacle” for the Baggies hierarchy.
Chairman Shilen Patel had alluded in an open letter to supporters that West Brom must continue to adhere to financial rules, meaning a substantial sale may still be required.
One of West Brom’s strikers could be sacrificed following Heggebo arrival
The imminent arrival of Heggebo will mean the Baggies now possess four strikers who can claim they deserve a starting spot.
Daryl Dike, Josh Maja and Karlan Grant all possess qualities that could succeed in the Championship, but having all three and the Norwegian in one squad is unnecessary.
| West Brom’s strikers | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Daryl Dike | 11 | 1 | 1 |
| Josh Maja | 26 | 12 | 2 |
| Karlan Grant | 43 | 7 | 2 |
Maja was comfortably the Baggies’ best attacker last season, but both he and Dike missed significant portions of the campaign through injury.
Grant is the most reliable in terms of availability, but the attacker only scored seven times in 43 games, which isn’t good enough for a first-choice striker.
Maja represents the most considerable value, but Dike and Grant are not reliable enough for Mason to depend upon, should Heggebo and Maja be ruled out.
West Brom have a decision to make, but keeping all four players is not an option, especially with possible PSR issues to solve.
Sign up for the West Brom News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking West Bromwich Albion news sent straight to your phone.