“By the scruff of the neck” – West Brom told to seek repeat of Watford, Giorgi Chakvetadze deal.
This post is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which features unique perspectives from our FLW Fan Pundits on the most recent breaking news, teams, players, managers, possible signings, and more…
As the January transfer market continues, West Bromwich Albion are still looking for their first signing of 2025.
Since Carlos Corberan’s departure to Valencia in December, the Baggies have been in the process of recruiting a new manager. As a result, transfer activity has been light in the Black Country. However, it is expected to increase once targets are identified to align with the new coaches’ ideas and philosophies.
Albion remain in contention for a play-off berth at the conclusion of the season, with caretaker spells from Damia Abella, Chris Brunt, and Boaz Myhill keeping them in the running for a return to the Premier League as the campaign nears its midway point.
| Championship table | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Club | P | GD | Pts |
| 1st | Leeds United | 26 | 29 | 53 |
| 2nd | Burnley | 26 | 22 | 52 |
| 3rd | Sheffield United | 26 | 19 | 52 |
| 4th | Sunderland | 26 | 17 | 50 |
| 5th | Middlesbrough | 26 | 11 | 41 |
| 6th | West Brom | 26 | 11 | 40 |
West Brom would profit from a Giorgi Chakvetadze-type acquisition.
Burgess stated: “I believe Albion would benefit from adding a midfielder who is not like the players we presently have in the team. For example, (Ousmane) Diakite is a ball-winner and flat-out number six, (Jason) Molumby is our box-to-box player, and (Alex) Mowatt is our central midfielder who can keep things moving and advance the ball up the field.
“I believe what Albion most needs is a ball-carrying midfielder who can seize control of games. I can’t think of one right now, but if we could find someone like Giorgi Chakvetadze at Watford, he’s definitely the finest player we’ve faced this season.
“Unfortunately for us, he would be out of our price range, and he’ll be picked up by a Premier League club or from a top five league division side very soon, I’d imagine, but if Albion could find the next Chakvetadze, then the club would be looking at making a massive return on how much they originally pay for him, as I think he’s one of the best players in the division, so I hope in either January or in the summer we can find someone with a similar profile and pl
Midfield is an important area for West Brom to develop.
While West Brom have some very good midfield options at Championship level, they don’t have anyone in the position who can weave their way through multiple challenges and create chances for the number nine or score goals themselves, with all of their other options being hard workers but lacking flair or star quality on a consistent basis.
Watford’s Giorgi Chakvetadze’s speed, direct running, and ability to glide past players made him a threat against the Baggies at Vicarage Road. Albion could benefit from having a similar player in their midfield to boost their promotion chances.
If the Baggies can find the funds to recruit an attacking midfielder with similar attributes, opportunities for Josh Maja and goals at the top end of the pitch will increase, helping to keep the Baggies competitive and rise up the table.
January is a critical month for recruiting players who may make or break a season, so controlling shareholder Shilen Patel must demonstrate his ambition early in his term and locate a more creative source in the center of the park.
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