West Bromwich Albion were able to breathe a much-needed sigh of relief at the end of the season.
Despite a late point deduction, they had survived a major relegation scare in the Championship, whilst the likes of Leicester City stole the unwanted headlines.
If last season proved anything, though, it is that relegation is all too possible for those at the Hawthorns, who cannot afford to get things wrong in the summer transfer window.
Why West Brom must welcome attacking stars this summer
When West Brom complete the post-mortem on their season, they will discover that the main cause of death was their frontline.
The likes of Daryl Dike, who has since been released, Karlan Grant and Josh Maja all endured a disappointing season as the Baggies scored just 48 goals in the Championship – a lower tally than the relegated Leicester side.
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Fixing that problem seems to be at the top of the club’s priority list, given that they’ve released the injury-prone Dike after four years in the Midlands.
The American wasn’t the only attacking star to leave, either. Winger Jed Wallace was also let go at the end of the season – again highlighting West Brom’s intention to rebuild their frontline.
Whether Grant and Maja will suffer similar fates at a price this summer remains to be seen. For the time being, they’ve been trusted to turn things around alongside any potential arrivals, the pair both handed new deals by the club.
|
Championship 25/26 |
Maja |
Grant |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
1,532 |
1,620 |
|
Goals |
4 |
4 |
|
Assists |
1 |
0 |
|
XG |
5.53 |
3.31 |
After scoring a combined eight league goals this season, to say that the two forwards are upgradeable in the Midlands would be some understatement – especially if Ben Brereton Diaz is available.
West Brom should sign Brereton Diaz to replace Maja & Grant
What West Brom need right now is a proven Championship goalscorer with Premier League experience on his CV. And that’s why Brereton Diaz is the perfect option to turn to this summer.
The Chile international, fresh from a respectable season on loan from Southampton at Derby County, would end West Brom’s search for a consistent forward, lessening the need to be wedded to Maja and Grant.
|
Brereton Diaz 25/26 |
|
|---|---|
|
Minutes |
3,067 |
|
Goals |
7 |
|
Assists |
3 |
|
XG |
7.43 |
It wasn’t an outstanding season at Derby, but it was certainly consistent across the entire campaign. In the same season that Maja, Grant and Dike combined for just ten league goals, Brereton Diaz reached eight himself.
Previous reports revealed that West Brom are interested in the 27-year-old and they would be wise to turn that interest into an offer this summer.
Even after spy-gate exposed Southampton’s wrongdoings and cost them their place at Wembley, Brereton Diaz is likely to be surplus to requirements at St Mary’s next season.
It was this time last year that he was preparing for a loan move to Derby. Now, if he is available, West Brom should look to gain the edge over their rivals and welcome much-needed attacking expertise.
It’s worth noting that Brereton Diaz’s efforts very nearly helped Derby into the playoffs. He helped the Rams go from 19th and battling relegation to just four points behind the top six. It was an incredible transformation, with the former Sheffield United man certainly playing his part.
One year on from his loan move to Pride Park, he could receive the chance to make the same impact at West Brom. The Baggies, like Derby one season ago, just endured a season scrapping for their second-tier status, but will have their sights set on the top six as soon as possible.
The experienced goalscorer would simply be an excellent upgrade on Dike, Maja and Grant this summer.
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