OPINION
West Bromwich Albion’s relegation meant a lot of interest in their key players, now they need to sell these players quickly or risk being caught short.
It’s the middle of July and there are just 25 days of the summer transfer window remaining, meaning clubs need to get a move on in order to get players in before the season starts.
Some teams have done their business very early and are well prepared, whereas other teams like West Brom are leaving things a little bit later than is comfortable.
So far, with just 25 days left to bring players in, the Baggies have lost eight senior players including Jonny Evans, Claudio Yacob, James Morrison, Gareth McAuley, Boaz Myhill and Ben Foster, while Grzegorz Krychowiak and Ali Gabr have returned to their parent clubs.
There are also a number of players that are likely to leave before the window ends including Craig Dawson, Nacer Chadli, Salomon Rondon, Jay Rodriguez, James McClean and Matt Phillips, who are all wanted by other clubs.
To make matters worse, there has only been one arrival, Sam Johnstone from Manchester United. While it’s a good signing, it’s also Albion’s only signing.
That leaves 16 senior players currently on the books at The Hawthorns. If half of the players that are being linked with moves away do end up leaving, which is hopeful to say the least, that will leave just 13 senior players.
Darren Moore’s transfer team need to get one hell of a move on if they are serious about challenging for automatic promotion next season. They have just 25 days to find approximately 10 quality players who can not only replace what the club have lost, but also add to the strength of a number of different positions.
They’re leaving it very late, but it’s better late than never.
If players want to go they need to be sold ASAP, so they have time to replace them. Otherwise, achieving promotion will be impossible.