West Brom: Shilen Patel Should Look to Leicester City Deal for January Inspiration
As the January transfer window approaches, clubs across the English Football League are strategizing how to strengthen their squads for the second half of the season. For West Bromwich Albion, co-owner Shilen Patel and the club’s decision-makers might find inspiration in Leicester City’s smart transfer dealings. Leicester’s approach to player recruitment could offer a blueprint for West Brom as they aim to bolster their promotion push in the Championship.
Leicester City has garnered a reputation for shrewd transfer activity over the years. The club excels at identifying undervalued talent, developing players, and selling them for significant profit, all while maintaining competitive performances on the pitch. The signing of James Maddison from Norwich City in 2018 is a standout example. Leicester paid a reported £22 million for Maddison, who blossomed into one of the Premier League’s most creative midfielders and eventually secured a £40 million move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2023.
Similarly, the Foxes have consistently found value in the domestic market, signing players like Harry Maguire and Kelechi Iheanacho, who became integral parts of their squad. Their ability to spot Championship talent and integrate it into a Premier League-level setup is something West Brom should aim to replicate.
West Brom’s start to the 2023/24 Championship season has been a mixed bag, with moments of brilliance tempered by inconsistency. While Carlos Corberán has done an admirable job of steadying the ship, the squad still lacks depth and quality in key areas, particularly in midfield and attack. Injuries and a lack of firepower up front have hampered their ability to sustain a playoff push.
To address this, Shilen Patel and the recruitment team must identify affordable yet impactful players who can immediately contribute. The January window, while notoriously tricky, offers opportunities if West Brom can emulate Leicester’s knack for uncovering gems.
Scouting Championship Talent: Leicester’s ability to recruit top-tier Championship players has been a cornerstone of their success. West Brom could look at players like Alex Scott, now at Bournemouth, as an example of the type of talent available in the second tier. Identifying players who are ready to step up or have untapped potential could be key.
Developing a Clear Identity: Leicester’s transfers have often aligned with a clear footballing philosophy. For West Brom, this means targeting players who fit Corberán’s high-energy, pressing style. Athletic, technically gifted players who can adapt to multiple positions should be a priority.
Balancing Experience and Potential: While Leicester have successfully signed younger players, they also balance their squad with experienced professionals. West Brom could follow suit by adding seasoned campaigners who understand the demands of a promotion push.
West Brom could explore loan deals or free transfers for Premier League fringe players, a tactic Leicester has used effectively. Additionally, they might consider dipping into the lower leagues or European markets for affordable talent. Clubs like Brentford and Brighton have shown that overlooked markets can yield high rewards, and West Brom could benefit from casting a wider net.
Shilen Patel and the West Brom hierarchy have a crucial January ahead. To reignite their promotion hopes, they must adopt a proactive, Leicester-inspired approach to recruitment. By targeting undervalued players who fit Corberán’s system, West Brom can enhance their squad without breaking the bank. If Patel takes a leaf out of Leicester’s playbook, the Baggies could find themselves better equipped to climb the Championship table and secure a return to the Premier League.
West Brom fans will hope that January brings not just new faces but the right ones—players capable of making an immediate impact and helping the club fulfill its ambitions.
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