Express and Star journalist Luke Hatfield believes that Valerien Ismael really wanted a number nine to come in during the summer.
Ismael made a number of signings during the summer with Adam Reach, Alex Mowatt, Matt Clarke, Jordan Hugill, Jayson Molumby and Kean Bryan all signing deals at the Hawthorns.
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Whilst he did bring in Hugill to the football club, Hatfield is convinced that the West Brom Head Coach wanted a marquee number nine in the summer.
“That front three, he’s got Karlan Grant who’s obviously producing goal after goal, but he really wanted a number nine to come in and do that job and he’ll be hoping that Hugill can push on from that Bristol City performance,” Hatfield told This is Futbol.
Ismael also wants to use the youth system at the Hawthorns and after handing Taylor Gardner-Hickman his debut against Hull City, the Baggies boss told the Express & Star: “When I came here I said straight away it was important to implement a philosophy and give a chance to young players.”
After being relegated from the Premier League last term, West Brom and Ismael will be looking for an immediate return to the top flight and have made a good start to the Championship campaign, as they currently sit third in the league table and you would imagine that the club will be looking to put a good run of results together and ensure they are challenging for promotion come May.