Financially Stricken West Brom had to sell to generate much-needed funds to re-invest in a group of players worthy of challenging at the top of the Championship table. Manager Carlos Corberán clearly wanted to add more players and quality than he did, leaving Baggies fans questioning, do they have enough?
Notable Departures
After their parachute payments ran out this year, West Brom fans and staff knew that saleable assets would be key to long-term sustainability. With majority shareholder, Lai Guochuan, taking out loans amassing to 60 million pounds, players had to be sold.
Most Notably, club captain and academy graduate Dara O'Shea, was the first sale to be sanctioned. O'Shea generated 8 million pounds following his transfer to Premier League newcomers, Burnley. The former captain is deemed 'irreplaceable', with the mood around The Hawthorns dipping as he was not replaced throughout the window. The void left by his departure is concerning to West Brom fans as sloppy goals have already been evident, most notably against relegation strugglers Huddersfield Town.
The only other departure that left a sour taste in Baggies fans' mouths, was that of academy talent and lifelong West Brom fan, Taylor Gardener-Hickman. Gardener-Hickman's transfer shocked the Albion fans as he shone in pre-season, with many tipping him to be the next breakthrough star.
However, he was still raw in some aspects of his game, and with the experienced Okay Yokuslu and Jayson Molumby, minutes were going to be limited. Many expected a loan, to gain vital experience in a gruelling division, like the Championship, but his transfer to Bristol City includes a buy option for as little as 1.3 million pounds, angering West Brom fans.
Exciting Incomings
Although West Brom only brought in three players, which was the least in the championship, the three additions will all play a vital role in this year's Sky Bet Championship campaign.
The deadline day signing of Pipa will provide much-needed cover in the full-back position, to that of Darnell Furlong. After previously working with Corberán at Huddersfield Town and Olympiacos, Albion fans trust that he will be a success under the Spaniard.
West Brom's first signing of the summer was the loan acquisition of Jeremy Sarmiento from Brighton, who has excelled so far in a handful of substitution cameos whilst working towards full fitness. He has caught the eye for his ability to skip past players, whilst bringing much-needed flair to West Brom's front line.
Shrewd business was also conducted on a shoe-string budget after landing sought-after striker Josh Maja, on a free transfer, following the expiry of his contract at Bordeaux, where he shone. Fans will hope that Maja will carry his form into this campaign, where he will be the focal point in the Baggies' attack, with Daryl Dike still out injured.
Overall Assessment
Overall, Albion could have had a lot worse of a window. Letting Dara O'Shea leave, prevented players like Jed Wallace and John Swift from having to leave the club in order to bring in much-needed funds, which was first feared.
Three vital additions came through the door, with many high earners, who became squad players, left the club, freeing up a slither of a transfer budget for West Brom to work with.
The Baggies still have a small squad, but this will not phase the fans as Carlos Corberán specialises in these sorts of situations, with their start to the season being better than originally expected, drawing away at Leeds United, whilst beating Middlesbrough at home.