West Bromwich Albion did not hold the anticipated summer fire sale.
Carlos Corberán’s summer transfer season was severely hampered by the Baggies’ notable financial and ownership difficulties, with only three new faces arriving in the form of Jeremy Sarmiento, Josh Maja, and Pipa.
Meanwhile, Albion have retained the majority of their players from last season, with Dara O’Shea the only noteworthy sale for a reputed £7 million fee to Burnley. That is not to suggest Albion were not involved in other transfer sagas, with several other players, from fringe to star individuals, linked with moves away during the window – some of which may be revived in January.
Grady Diangana
A fan favourite during his initial loan spell during the 2019/20 promotion campaign, scoring eight goals with six assists, a permanent move the following year has not produced the same outcome.
Injury woes have hampered the former West Ham winger’s form and chance at consistent minutes in recent seasons with his productivity in the final third taking a toll.
The 25-year-old registered seven goal contributions in 31 appearances last term, however, was subject to plenty of interest this summer.
According to the Express & Star, Leicester City, Burnley and Leeds United as well as teams from Saudi Arabia were interested in the creative playmaker and if he can work his way back into the Albion eleven in the coming months, could look to recoup some of the original £12 million fee spent back in 2020.
Brandon Thomas-Asante
After joining the Hawthorns from Salford City last summer, Thomas-Asante soon became a fan favorite.
He made an incredible debut against Burnley last season and has proceeded to amaze with a string of spectacular efforts, netting seven Championship goals in 20 starts.
The 24-year-old was subject to late attention from Stoke City, with the Potters seeing two bids, only estimated to be about £2 million, hastily rejected.
While West Brom are in need of finances and Stoke may try to add to their firepower in the coming window, long-term injuries to Daryl Dike and now Josh Maja leave Corberán with few options up top, with Thomas-Asante the only recognized striker in their senior ranks.
Nathaniel Chalobah
Chalobah, who joined the club in late January, has had a difficult experience thus far and was on the verge of leaving this summer.
The former Chelsea and Fulham midfielder signed an 18-month contract and made 13 appearances, although he was unable to disrupt the longstanding Jayson Molumby and Okay Yokuşlu duo.
While a deal to Maccabi Haifa fell through in July, with the former England international struggling to break into the starting lineup, he may want to conclude his brief spell in the West Midlands and pursue a new challenge elsewhere.
Leave a Reply