West Bromwich Albion are preparing themselves for life in the Championship after their demotion from the Premier League last season. The Baggies were shambolic, managing to acquire just 31 points and thoroughly deserved to get relegated. They must regroup themselves and strive to earn an immediate promotion next season.
One of their former prized assets in Jonny Evans has already left for Leicester City this summer and as a replacement for the central defender, West Bromwich Albion have concluded the signing of Kyle Bartley from Swansea City. The Throstles made Bartley sign a three-year deal amidst reports linking him to fellow Championship side, Leeds United, for a transfer fee of around £4million. The Whites passed on the chance to sign him on the advice of their new manager, Marcelo Bielsa.
According to a recent report by Mail Online, West Bromwich Albion boss, Darren Moore, has put together a list of players who could potentially replace Craig Dawson this summer. The centre-back is on the brink of an exit from the Hawthorns as West Ham United and Burnley are desperately targeting the £20million-rated defender.
Huddersfield Town central defender, Michael Hefele, is on the short-list prepared by Moore and apart from Hefele, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Danny Batth and Leeds United’s Pontus Jansson are also on his radar. Hefele is available for around £2.5million and his exit from the ranks of the Terriers makes a lot of sense. The 27-year-old made merely 6 appearances across all competitions for David Wagner’s troops last season, including 2 substitute appearances in the Premier League.
Hefele was instrumental in taking Huddersfield Town to the top flight but his appearances were severely restricted last term due to a couple of injuries, coupled with a troublesome Achilles. He is a proven player and if he manages to stay fit, he can turn out to be an astute signing by Moore. Apart from West Bromwich Albion, Aston Villa are also believed to be in the race to secure his signature.
The German is a tough tackler and has plenty of experience under his belt, something that is going to come handy for Moore’s side in the absence of Gareth McAuley, Evans and Dawson (whose exit is likely to materialize). His entry to the ranks of West Bromwich Albion will certainly bring some freshness. He should be able to team up well with Bartley at the heart of the back line of Albion and it will be interesting to see what lies ahead for him.