West Brom will have their sights firmly set on promotion back to the Premier League this season.
The Baggies go into their clash with Millwall at The Den on Friday afternoon sat 5th in the Championship table.
They are eight points clear of 7th place Hull City, albeit having played a game more. Carlos Corberan‘s side therefore look well set to secure an all important top six spot, that will give them a shot at promotion.
There are of course, several players who will surely have to step up for West Brom if they are to secure that spot in the top-flight of English football.
Midfield man key for the Baggies
In the centre of the park, one player that Corberan and co. will no doubt be looking to in the battle for promotion.
Now in his second spell with the club, Okay Yokuslu has again been an infleuntial presence for West Brom throughout the current campaign.
Indeed, one stat recently highlighted how vulnerable the Baggies are in games, in the moments immediately after he is substituted.
Meanwhile, speaking about the 30-year-old previously, Corberan has praised the midfielder for how ‘impressive’ he has been.
However, there may also be an argument that West Brom will find it difficult to keep Yokuslu in the summer, if he does not help them to promotion.
West Brom may need promotion to keep Okay Yokuslu
With Yokuslu once again playing an important role for the Baggies this season, whether or not they win promotion could have an impact on his future.
There has been speculation around the midfielder already this season, with claims of interest from several top-flight clubs across Europe.
As a result, missing out on a place in the Premier League could put pressure on West Brom when it comes to Yokuslu.
It would be no surprise if he does attract attention again this summer, given the form he has produced recently.
Given he will be entering the final 12 months of his contract at the end of the season, that could force West Brom to sell to avoid losing an asset for free if they are still a Championship club.
Indeed, at 30 years old, Yokuslu is approaching the latter stages of his career. He may therefore want another chance to play at the top level. If he is unable to get that at The Hawthorns, it could tempt him to look for a move elsewhere.
However, winning promotion would of course end the need for Yokuslu to pursue a move in search of another top-flight opportunity.
The financial windfall it would bring, could also put West Brom in a stronger position to negotiate a new deal with the midfielder.
As a result, it may not be a huge surprise if whether or not the Baggies win promotion this season, also dictates whether or not Yokuslu stays at the club.
That only gives West Brom yet more motivation to find a way to secure that success, over the next few weeks.