Carlton Palmer believes West Bromwich Albion can achieve promotion to the Premier League, but only if they can force through a takeover of the club before January.
The Baggies are arguably punching above their weight at the moment, sitting sixth in the Championship. However, the division is as tight as it’s ever been, with just eight points separating Leeds United in third and Huddersfield Town in 21st.
West Brom have lost just one of their last eight fixtures, although manager Carlos Corberan has had to operate on a shoestring budget due to major financial constraints, as well as a series of injuries.
Talks of a £50 million takeover of the club have been rife for the past month and claims that there is interest from both the USA and the Middle East have taken centre stage. Fans remain in the dark though, with the club reporting earlier this month that NDAs were in place limiting what could be said regarding investment and a potential sale.
Despite a takeover looming, focus remains on the pitch and keeping in touch with those chasing promotion. The West Midlands club will quietly be targeting a return to the Premier League after dropping down to the second tier in 2021, but former WBA star Carlton Palmer believes that a deal needs to be completed this year to stand any chance of reaching that goal;
“West Bromwich Albion have had a solid start to the new season, currently sat in sixth place, only two points off Leeds United in third place,” the former England international told Football League World.
“If the takeover of the club could be completed in time for the January transfer market, this would give the club a huge boost in their quest for promotion.
“I still think Leeds and Leicester will get promoted automatically, but being able to add to the squad in January could help them secure a place in the play-offs, and we all know how much of a lottery the play-offs can be, so they would have as good a chance as anyone who secures a play-off spot.”
Clearly, a takeover would give the club a major financial boost for the January transfer window, which would give Corberan a huge opportunity to bolster his squad for the second half of the season. In the meantime however, he will take his team to Coventry City on Monday night hoping to build on Tuesday night’s win over Queens Park Rangers.
Writer’s View
Carlos Corberan has done a fantastic job so far this season with the resources he has at hand, both financially and with the injuries he has had to contend with. Their position has perhaps been dictated by the number of clubs dropping points and those outside of Leicester City and Ipswich Town failing to put together a consistent run.
However, the fact remains that they currently sit in the play-off places and, if they can stay there until January, they will give themselves a massive opportunity to kick on should the off-the-field antics fall into place.
