Football Season Guide

West Bromwich Albion

In


Jeremy Sarmiento (mid) Brighton – on loan

Out


Dara O’Shea (r) (def) Burnley; Jake Livermore (sp) (mid) Watford; Karlan Grant (sp) (att) Cardiff – on loan; Tom Rogic (sp) (mid) released; Marc Albrighton (sp) (mid) Leicester – end of loan

Overall, a disappointing season in 2022/23 for West Brom as they failed to make the top six. The campaign started off terribly and when manager Steve Bruce was sacked in late October the Baggies sat third bottom of the league. The appointment of Carlos Corberan revived the team’s fortunes but he couldn’t quite steer them into the playoffs as they finished 9th. Corberan has been kept on as he looks to carry on the good work. Regarding the playing squad, the main activity has been outgoings with ever-present centre-back O’Shea plus squad regulars over the last few seasons Livermore and Grant among those going through the exit door. The budget is tight at the Hawthorns and there has only been one incoming so far – the loan signing of young Brighton winger Sarmiento. With some money freed up with the player exits there should be at least a few more incomings while there has also been talk of a takeover. The form that West Brom showed since October last season would have seen them easily make the playoffs and the team that produced that form is pretty much the same apart from the notable absence of O’Shea. However, currently the overall squad is weaker than it was at the end of last season and needs bolstering if the Baggies are to challenge the top six.

Target


Playoffs will be the target.