West Brom could potentially run the risk of a points deduction in the second half of this season, warns pundit Don Goodman.
West Brom remain in the midst of a takeover saga. But after years of hope and several weeks and months of reports of a takeover making progress, it looks like we might be nearing the climax.
This month has seen numerous reports suggesting that a West Brom takeover is making progress.
Current owner Guochuan Lai is said to have three credible bids on the table and a preferred bidder in American businessman Shilen Patel.
News on the takeover front has been pretty quiet over the past week. But fans will be hoping that’s because everyone is working hard behind the scenes.
Don Goodman warns of potential points deduction at West Brom
Matters certainly need to move ahead, and in good time, with reports before the New Year revealing that the financial situation at West Brom would become perilous very soon, if a takeover wasn’t to go through.
Should that be the case then West Brom could find themselves in similar situation to the likes of Reading and Wigan Athletic in the coming months or seasons, as former striker Goodman has now suggested.
Speaking to West Brom News, Goodman warned of a potential points deduction for the Baggies, which could end up throwing them out of the top six this season.
He said:
“When a club is struggling financially and there’s doubt as to what might happen, it is always the fans who you think of first and foremost. This club has been around for so long. I’m not suggesting they’re in danger of liquidation or going out of business, but it’s a precarious financial position they find themselves in through no fault of the fans.
“If for instance, with Wigan last year or Reading, they fail to pay wages on time, then all of a sudden you’re looking at a points deduction. If that happens then West Bromwich Albion don’t get in the play-offs, and don’t get the financial benefits that come with making the play-offs and possibly making the Premier League.”
West Brom facing all or nothing takeover saga
Everything seems to be riding on this takeover.
If it fails to go through or takes longer than it should, then the club’s financial situation will only worsen, and make the club a less attractive investment for potential buyers.
And with players out of contract in the summer and just about zero resources to bring anybody in, seemingly this month and definitely in the summer, as things stand, West Brom could be left with the absolute barebones of a squad come next season.
Promotion remains a very real possibility for Carlos Corberan‘s side. The Baggies are in a good position and have some players still to return from injury and AFCON, and with a couple loan signings, West Brom could become very serious contenders.
But the takeover remains the key hope for fans and failure to see that go through, and failure to earn promotion, could land the club in a world of hurt.