West Brom Eyeing A Surprise Move For Prolific English Striker: Good Option For Bilic?

Promotion to the Premier League could see West Bromwich Albion make quite a few additions to their squad this summer and the latest name they are apparently taking a look at is Peterborough star, Ivan Toney.

Football Insider broke the news that the Posh are ready to let him leave this summer and could ask for close to £10m for his services.

The likes of Celtic and Brentford are also desperate for Toney’s signature but what will he add to the squad at West Brom?

Who Is Ivan Toney?

A prolific goal scorer at every level he has played, Ivan Toney started his senior career with Northampton before joining a Premier League club in Newcastle United back in 2015.

However, he failed to break into the first team at St James’ Park, spending a number of stints out on loan, before moving to London Road Stadium on a permanent deal in 2018.

The 24-year old has always been effective in front of goal and has to date registered 49 goals and 15 assists in just 94 appearances for the club.

A centre-forward by trait, Ivan Toney is a quick and athletic presence in and around the box and usually finds the back of the net if afforded even a little bit of space and time on the ball in the final third.

Strong in the air, the Peterborough star is adept at creating chances by falling deep when his side is pushed back. His willingness to put in a defensive shift and his ability to quickly make opponents pay for every mistake made him a huge asset for top-flight clubs as well.

Ivan Toney: Right Man For West Brom?

Charlie Austin and Hal Robson-Kanu scored 10 goals apiece last season for Bilic’s side, which was enough to gain promotion for The Baggies.

But in the Premier League, they will not only need a more prolific goal scorer in front of goal but the manager will also want more options before choosing his squad and Toney fits the bill well.

At just 24, the Northampton born striker has the potential to turn into one of the more consistent strikers in the English top-flight and playing in a well organized West Brom side, he could be more effective in front of goal.

West Brom do have other issues in the squad that they need to resolve but adding goals in the form of Ivan Toney will go a long way in the effort to retain their top-flight status and gradually build a base in the top-flight once again.

The step-up from League One could mean Toney will take time to make an impact at West Brom but Slaven Bilic has shown that he is not afraid to vociferously back players he trusts and this could well turn out to be a successful gamble.

So if the Baggies are ready to give him time, the 24-year-old could be a long-term solution for the club for this role.