West Brom look like they might be closing in on their first January signing, with Bristol City striker Andi Weimann on the Baggies’ radar.
It’s reported that Australian hitman Weimann is wanted by West Brom.
West Brom are said to be in talks over a potential loan deal for the 32-year-old who’s scored one in 20 Championship outings for 14th place Bristol City this season.
And this morning, Alan Nixon has revealed that Carlos Corberan is keen to raid former club Leeds United for young striker Joe Gelhardt.
Both strikers would be useful for West Brom, and whilst Corberan may get a tune out of the pair, neither are marquee signings.
A sign of quite desperate times at The Hawthorns
Just two years ago, West Brom forked out nearly £7million to sign Daryl Dike from Orlando City.
But times have changed quite a lot since then. Finances are tight and West Brom are embroiled in a takeover saga that seems pivotal in securing the club’s long-term future.
Players remain up for sale, at the right price of course, but potential incomings seem limited this month; if not then at least limited to disposable Championship players like Weimann and Gelhardt.
It signifies some tough times at the club but Corberan continues to work his magic.
Though if this takeover doesn’t go through this month then everything could quickly fall apart in 2024; Corberan may be tempted by a more stable club and with a horde of players out of contract in the summer, West Brom will be left with a hugely depleted squad.
Takeover paramount, but signings also key
Shilen Patel is rumoured to be the Baggies’ preferred bidder, coming after news that owner Guochuan Lai has three credible bidders to choose from.
So there’s definite progress being made which is a positive. But everything needs to go along smoothly and that’s rarely the case with takeovers.
Ideally, West Brom will have new owners in place before the end of the month, and Corberan would have some funds for late January signings.
But that seems hopeful. Still, West Brom are doing what they can and there’s every chance that the likes of Weimann and Gelhardt provide the necessary quality and coverage needed to secure a top six finish this season.
Up next for West Brom is a trip to Norwich City in the Championship next Saturday.