According to a recent report by Birmingham Mail, West Bromwich Albion are planning to sign Britt Assombalonga from the ranks of Middlesbrough this summer. The report states that the Smoggies are interested in listening to offers for the striker as manager Tony Pulis is desirous to reshuffle his arsenal for the 2018-19 Championship campaign.
West Bromwich Albion are preparing for life in the English second division after their relegation from the Premier League last season. The usually rock-solid mid-table team tanked in all departments against the elite English clubs and finished rock-bottom in the standings. Darren Moore is moulding his squad to meet his needs for this term amidst the exit of some quality players. So far in the summer transfer window, he has lured Sam Johnstone, Kyle Bartley and Jonathan Bond to the Hawthorns.
Their apparent interest to make Assombalonga sign on the dotted line is due to the interest from Newcastle United to bring the Baggies’ striker Salomon Rondon to St. James’ Park. Assombalonga would be an astute replacement for Rondon, for he is well acclimatized with the Championship and he played a pivotal part in taking the Riversiders to the playoffs last season.
Having emerged through the youth ranks of Watford, Assombalonga couldn’t cement a regular spot for himself in their senior side. While he was in the books of the Hornets, he accumulated loan spells with Wealdstone, Braintree Town and Southend United. After his dazzling displays up top with Peterborough United and Nottingham Forest, with whom he signed permanent deals, the Congolese international moved to the Riverside Stadium last summer.
He has garnered plenty of experience under his belt and his strong physical presence and pace makes him a tough commodity for the opposing defence to deal with. Assombalonga avails himself as the target man more often than not inside the box and his ability to hold the ball meticulously in the final third enables his teammates to join in the attack.
Besides, he is good in the air and is a highly rated striker in English football. In 46 appearances in the Championship for Middlesbrough last term, the 25-year-old smashed 15 goals and no wonder he is on the radar of Albion. Moore’s side would need to hit the ground up and running from the very beginning in the Championship and someone like Assombalonga could be a useful asset for them if his move materializes.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
