Eric Ramsay has new transfer priority after West Brom ‘collateral damage’ vs Derby
Eric Ramsay may be forced to shift West Brom’s transfer strategy in the remaining days of the transfer window.
West Brom brought Max O’Leary in as their new number one goalkeeper, their first signing of the winter market.
The stopper was at fault for the hosts’ goal, but Chris Mepham spared his blushes with a 95th-minute equaliser.
While the result ended up being positive for Ramsay, there were a couple of negatives that could hampered Albion’s business.
Why would West Brom change their transfer priority?
While the Baggies finally have a new goalkeeper, they need extra cover in central midfield, after losing Toby Collyer, who was recalled by Manchester United.
However, they may shift their plans after injuries to Karlan Grant and Krystian Bielik in the draw with the Rams.
Speaking after the contest, Ramsay said: “There’s certainly collateral damage [to Karlan Grant and Krystian Bielik] after two games in the week.
“The physical output has paid a price today, I’m not sure how much of a price that will be, so I’ll reserve judgement until we look at them again.”
The fact that he admitted that he does not know the extent of their injuries is not a good sign.
- Read More: Max O’Leary endures nightmare debut as 7/10 shines in draw – West Brom player ratings vs Derby
What should the new priority be?
It probably depends on how long Grant and Bielik are expected to be out for, but on the face of things, a versatile attacker and a centre-back should be the new focus.
Grant had returned to form recently, with three goals in his last 10 matches, and if he is absent for a significant period, it will be a blow.
The only attacker that Albion have been linked with is Bolton Wanderers loanee Amario Cozier-Duberry, but they surely have a shortlist of players that they would like to sign if needed.
Meanwhile, Bielik has emerged as one of Ramsay’s preferred players, captaining the side in his first three games in charge, so if he is out for a while, then a new defender could be on the cards.
| Stat | Bielik vs Derby |
| Pass accuracy | 26/30 (87%) |
| Passes into final third | 3 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Blocks | 1 |
Nat Phillips, Chris Mepham, George Campbell and Charlie Taylor are the other options in the squad, but the 34-year-old boss plays with three, so reinforcements may be necessary if the Polish star is on the sidelines.
It remains to be seen whether they can make any deals happen, given the financial situation at the moment, but they have shown that they have some wiggle room, if there is value in the market.
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