Andrew Nestor and Ian Pearce could thrive with next West Brom signings lined up
West Brom have already made several additions for Ryan Mason in his first permanent managerial role.
The Baggies strengthened early, with Nat Phillips arriving at The Hawthorns in June from Liverpool.
Since then, Andrew Nestor and Ian Pearce have added Aune Heggebo and George Campbell to Mason’s squad, with the Championship season a couple of weeks away.
Now, there are several more signings in the offing for the West Midlands club, with different markets to be explored by the Albion.
West Brom hierarchy set for more signings
West Brom will face Lincoln City in their next pre-season match on Saturday (26 July).
Mason has failed to win any of his friendlies thus far, having been recently defeated 2-1 by Steve Bruce’s Blackpool.
There are just weeks to go until the Championship season commences, and the Baggies’ boss would have been using the summer to analyse his squad.
Kyle Bartley is a player who could leave West Brom this summer, although an injury has cast that into doubt.
In terms of signings, Liverpool youngster James McConnell is expected to be loaned out to a second-tier side, with Albion interested.
| Competition | Appearances | Goal contributions |
| Premier League | 3 | 0 |
| Champions League | 1 | 0 |
| Europa League | 3 | 0 |
| FA Cup | 4 | 1 |
| EFL Cup | 2 | 0 |
Lewis Cox has discussed the West Midlands outfit’s transfer activity for Express & Star (24 July), sharing that loans and free agents may now be looked at.
Cox said: “The young loans might come in having never played consistent football in their life, and then they’re chucked into the Championship, it’s tough.
“However, you only have to look back a few years ago with Albion, don’t you? How transformative they can be for a season, and how much they can lead your season.
“Look, that’s where the recruitment team earns their corn, isn’t it? That’s where Ian Pearce could thrive for this season ahead, and Andrew Nestor as well, by the way.”
Baggies can utilise loan market to great effect
The loan market is a way that Football League clubs can separate themselves from the rest of the pack.
One only has to look at the impact made by Amad Diallo at Sunderland to see that.
Indeed, West Brom have enjoyed their own loan success stories, with Dwight Gayle, Matheus Pereira, and Romelu Lukaku prime examples.
Of course, Albion target McConnell is an unknown quantity, but he could be worth a punt, as the Baggies are allowed to sign off on several loan deals.
With plenty of time left in the window, Nestor and Pearce have the chance to boost Mason’s options even further with some smart additions.
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