West Bromwich Albion still have much to play for when the season resumes with Premier League football within their grasp. Largely thanks to their terrific summer transfer activity. Last Word on Football has looked at the players that arrived at The Hawthorns and ranked them from worst to best based on their impact on the team and the season.
West Bromwich Albion Summer Signings Ranked
Kenneth Zohore
Zohore joined West Brom from Cardiff City for a sizeable fee of around £8 million and has failed to live up to the price tag. Barely able to make the bench for the majority of the campaign. Albion’s most expensive acquisition of the window has been by far the least effective.
He has just three league goals to his name whilst playing in a side that has amassed a total of 64 league goals combined. Slim returns from such a hefty transfer fee. With his numbers equating to £2.6 million per goal. A rather expensive flop.
Darnell Furlong
Furlong is mightily unlucky to not find himself ranked higher in this list having, hardly put a foot wrong this season. The right-back joined Albion after more than a decade coming through the ranks at QPR.
The rise of West Brom academy graduates Nathan Ferguson and Dara O’Shea has forced him into a back-up role this season. More than competent when called upon, Furlong has played his part in West Brom’s impressive season.
Charlie Austin
Austin joined West Brom after his time at Southampton stalled with the veteran striker falling out of favour after three years with the club. His best performances this season have come with the 30-year-old being used as an impact substitute.
Most memorably coming off the bench to stun Birmingham City. Scoring two goals in eight minutes to win the West Midlands derby in December. Austin has racked up eight goals this season, a decent return given the physical nature of the Championship and his injury record.
Grady Diangana (Loan)
The tricky winger signed on deadline day would’ve featured much higher in this list but for injuries impacting his campaign. Diangana was given his first professional contract by parent club West Ham United Back when Slaven Bilić was in charge. The relationship between the two would lead to Diangana joining Bilić in the Midlands.
In his first league appearance for the Baggies, Diangana announced himself by scoring twice within six minutes after being brought on from the bench at half-time against Luton Town. Exciting performances in the following weeks highlighted his influence as a constant attacking threat as Albion climbed the table.
Semi Ajayi
Signed for just £1.5 million from Rotherham United, Ajayi has easily been the surprise package of the season. The versatile Nigeria international has earned widespread acclaim for his performances this season. His strength, pace and ability to read the game are clear to see and well utilised by Bilić.
Much chopping and changing has occurred in the Albion defensive line throughout the season. Injuries, form and the integration of young talent have all played a role in Bilić’s team selection but it is Ajayi who has emerged as the ever-present.
Filip Krovinović (Loan)
Bilić’s fellow countryman struggled to adapt to Championship life at first but since a change of formation has become an integral part of the side. Krovinović is currently on loan from Benfica and has made 34 appearances in all competitions for Albion this season, scoring two goals and setting up four.
Having Krovinović drop into a deeper role in the midfield potentially saved West Brom from implosion after a Christmas period that saw them struggle to pick up points. He has since found his feet at The Hawthorns and could be the key to Albion’s promotion when the season resumes.
Romaine Sawyers
Sawyers returned to the club where he began his career after six years away. He rejoined from Brentford for under £2 million and has slotted seamlessly alongside Jake Livermore in Albion’s central midfield.
His brand of possession football is what makes this Baggies side tick as he has become instrumental in their success. Showing composure and a cool head when surrounded by chaos has become a trademark of the 28-year-old.
Matheus Pereira (Loan)
Pereira has been a revelation since joining the Baggies on loan from Sporting Lisbon. Utilised this season both as a number 10 and on the right, he has outstanding close control and a phenomenal range of passing.
He has registered 16 assists and scored six goals this season and is a major reason why West Brom are in the hunt for automatic promotion. The Brazilian is set to remain at The Hawthorns after this season with personal terms reported to be already agreed.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
