After a rather special season which saw the club reach the play-offs after finishing fifth, West Bromwich Albion could potentially become masters of their own downfall.
That’s very much down to the fact that a number of players could well be leaving this summer, with plenty of significant names attracting interest. It’s not just some of the key men who are being linked with moves away from the Hawthorns but also manager Carlos Corberan.
Despite being knocked out of the play-offs by eventual winners Southampton, it was an achievement for the club to even reach the post-season. West Brom have had to operate on a lower budget than many of their Championship competitors as a result of previous financial trouble and the job that Corberan has done with the cards he’s been dealt is rather impressive.
However, in an attempt to secure the long-term future of the club, a few players may leave this summer in order to improve their overall finances. One of those touted with a move is versatile forward Grady Diangana.
The DR Congo international may have struggled for consistency at points this term but showed plenty of quality and enjoyed a fine season in front of goal. With seven goals and eight assists after a slow start to the season, Diangana proved himself as an important man in Corberan’s plans.
He could however be on the move this summer, with former club West Ham United displaying an interest according to news outlet Africafoot. It is believed that the Hammers are in discussions with the player for a return and the sale is expected to be around the £10 million mark according to the report, which would certainly aid the Baggies’ finances.
It is not only West Ham who have displayed an interest, with the same publication also stating that Wolverhampton Wanderers are monitoring the current situation. A move to local rivals Wolves wouldn’t mean a geographical change for the winger, and it could indeed be a move that would work out well for both the club and the player.
Writer’s View
With the price quoted, West Brom will surely be willing to sell Diangana this summer. It would bring some much needed finances to the club and in turn allowing Corberan to buy some of the players that he wants at the Baggies.
On his day, the 26-year-old is lethal and he clearly knows where the net is as well, he just sometimes struggles to display his qualities on a consistent-enough basis.
It’s a move worth monitoring as he has previously played in the top flight for both West Ham and West Brom, but would produce just one goal and one assist in 37 top flight appearances. Now entering his prime years, he’ll surely improve upon those numbers and although he wouldn’t have a starring role for either the Hammers or Wolves, he’d be a very good rotational asset.