Andrew Nestor unsung hero after ‘phenomenal’ transfer business at West Brom
Andrew Nestor has certainly given Ryan Mason reasons to be happy at West Brom following transfer deadline day.
Charlie Taylor’s arrival at The Hawthorns marked the end of the signings at the Baggies before the deadline on 1 September.
The Albion spent around £12.9million in total as they added nine players to their squad, with three coming on season-long loans.
Earlier in the window, Torbjorn Heggem left for Bologna for around £9m, while Tom Fellows has also departed for Southampton, but the Black Country outfit’s business should be commended.
Tjorbjorn Heggem money spent wisely by West Brom
Nat Phillips, Chris Mepham, Krystian Bielik, George Campbell and Alfie Gilchrist have been signed for around the price Heggem was sold for.
BBC Radio WM reported Steve Hermon has termed the prospect of buying five defenders for the price of one a “phenomenal” feat at The Hawthorns.
Nestor should undoubtedly be proud of the work that the recruitment team have done at the Baggies in recent weeks, in what has been a challenging set of times in B71 due to the sale of some key players.
Hermon wrote in BBC Sport on 2 September: “For the price of selling Heggem, the Baggies have brought in prime-aged trio Phillips, Mepham and Bielek, as well as 23-year-old Campbell and Chelsea youngster Gilchrist. Five defenders for the price of one, which is a phenomenal piece of business.”
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Ryan Mason has solid centre-back pairing at The Hawthorns
Aune Heggebo’s impressive start at The Hawthorns will give fans hope of having a reliable number nine for the 2025/26 campaign.
While Josh Maja has been a loyal servant at the Baggies, his consistent fitness issues have been frustrating for fans in B71.
With Samuel Iling-Junior arriving on loan from Aston Villa, supporters will hope Fellows’ absence can be mitigated for the remainder of the season.
- 10 first-team players have left The Hawthorns since the end of last season.
- The Baggies made around £20.5m from sales in the previous transfer window.
- Fellows left the Baggies in a deal worth £10m.
With Jason Molumby, Alex Mowatt and Isaac Price forming an impressive midfield trio, the defence will be a focal point at West Brom in the coming months.
Phillips and Mepham are seemingly the best pairing for Ryan Mason at The Hawthorns, with Alfie Gilchrist replacing Darnell Furlong at right-back.
Campbell and Bielik give the English manager some quality options on the bench for the backline, with the Baggies arguably ready to challenge for a play-offs spot in the Championship.
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