West Brom: Completed summer transfers pose vital question to Shilen Patel - Verdict
West Bromwich Albion have already completed three summer signings, and yet all of them pose a significant risk.
Had it not been for the efforts of James Morrison, there is every chance that this summer would have been in preparation for a season in League One.
Given their history and supposed ambitions, that is the completely wrong side of the Championship that they should be striving to finish at.
With that said, their ability to avoid relegation afforded them another chance to get things right this summer.
Three new faces have already arrived at The Hawthorns, and that level of activity will and has sparked optimism.
However, the profiles of the trio beg one very important question that only Shilen Patel has the answer to.
What is West Brom's short-term ambition?
Is it to stay in the Championship? Or is to battle for promotion?
Looking at the three players signed, the former seems more likely.
With Carter Pinnington, Jimmy Jay-Morgan and Barney Stewart, Albion have signed three very unproven players, with no indication as to whether they have what it takes to play in the Championship.
And with the likes of Daryl Dike, Josh Maja and Karlan Grant due to leave, they will be stripped of lots of experience
From the outside looking in, West Brom's early transfer business does not scream ambition.
All three of them may prove to be transfer masterstrokes, but given their careers so far, there will be no certainty that it will be the case.
What else do West Brom need this summer?
The number one priority for Albion has to be to sign a new winger now.
Mikey Johnston carried their attacking threat from the wide areas last season, and his absence exposed the lack of quality they have after him.
West Brom may have added more strikers to their squad, but without adequate service, they are sure to flop, as Maja did in the previous season.
Should that area be addressed, then there will be a lot more optimism heading into the new campaign.