OPINION
West Brom are reportedly closing in on the signing of Manchester City defender Tosin Adarabioyo – and Darren Moore is playing an absolute blinder to strike up a deal with the Premier League champions.
The Daily Mail has reported that Adarabioyo, 20, is scheduled to undergo a medical with the Baggies ahead of joining on a season-long loan deal, which further bolsters Moore’s rearguard with the Championship season just days away from starting.
It is understood that the 6ft 4in (transfermarkt) colossus was the subject of interest from Wolves last year, but he eventually penned a long-term deal at Man City and went on to play four times in the senior team in both the Champions League and Carabao Cup.
However Adarabioyo understandably wants more first team football, which is why a temporary move to West Brom is now on the cards.
Adarabioyo is not your usually tall, physical centre-back. He is also quick on his feet and is a decent ball-player, so moving the ball up the pitch should not be a problem for Moore’s side this season with him in the backline.
The Baggies also could do with one more centre-back adding to the squad with Ahmed Hegazi, Craig Dawson and Kyle Bartley there only current options at the moment.
With Adarabioyo added to that list, the Baggies won’t have players who are obvious first and second choices. They will have centre-backs who are proven at several different levels of football and all could make it in a top Championship team gunning for promotion.
West Brom’s focus in the Premier League has been on their defence and while they are expected to score more goals and be a more attacking team in the Championship, they still need a sturdy rearguard that can shut out opponents and spring counter attacking opportunities.
Adarabioyo is going to be a class addition at The Hawthorns and fans should be very excited about his imminent arrival.