West Bromwich Albion’s season came to a disappointing conclusion as they were defeated 3-1 by Southampton across two legs in the Championship play-off semi-final.
Next season, the second-city club will be targeting another play-off push, but they will likely have to do it without one man who has been key for them this season.
Mikey Johnston only arrived at the Baggies on deadline day of the January transfer window, making the loan move from his parent club Celtic. However, the winger was brilliant in his 20 fixtures for the club, as he scored seven and assisted two.
More important was the wow factor that Johnston brought to the Hawthorns, as his trademark cut inside and get a shot away became irresistibly familiar.
Chris Willock
Fans of the Championship will associate Chris Willock with the team because he has been a member of it for four seasons. This summer, the contract of the former West Brom young player will expire at QPR, and other clubs will be vying to recruit the gifted winger.
He is a player that the Baggies should definitely be pursuing. The left-winger’s unparalleled dribbling skills and eye for a ball in the final third may occasionally turn the tide of a game.
Although Willock struggled at times the previous season, Marti Cifuentes started to bring the best out of him at the conclusion of the league season, and he finished with eight goal contributions across all competitions.
This season, Johnston has performed statistically better than Willock, although Albion would benefit greatly from a return to the former Benfica player’s finest form.
With a solid seven goals and eleven assists for QPR in 2021–2022, the winger was regarded as one of the league’s best players. Should Willock, a target for West Brom, perform to this caliber, he may end up being one of the summer’s biggest additions.
Josh Murphy
Josh Murphy is a player who has been in the news a lot lately. A number of Championship teams, including West Brom, have expressed interest in the player following an impressive showing in the League One play-off final.
Despite not being the most glamorised addition, Murphy has improved over his tenures at Norwich, Cardiff, and Oxford United. At 29, the winger is about to enter his prime. The upcoming years will decide if he is remembered as a good Championship player.
Based on statistical analysis, he has contributed 50 goals in 199 Championship games, demonstrating a strong enough level of play to warrant a tier two opportunity.
He would be a wise addition for the Baggies because his contract is slated to expire in Oxfordshire this June, and they would simply have to pay his wages. Even if the U’s have extended an offer to him, it’s possible that he might consider accepting a new contract if a team with greater goals approached him.
Murphy has already played Premier League football for Norwich and Cardiff, so if he signs, the Baggies may benefit much from his expertise.
Omari Forson
Young and talented, Omari Forson is a winger presently under contract with Manchester United. This season, he has spent most of his time with the first team, making seven appearances, including one start, and only contributing one assist.
Before making his official debut in February, Erik ten Hag expressed his congratulations to Forson on numerous occasions, saying, “He deserves the position.” He has been working really hard and making development over the past six months, and he is now functioning exceptionally well.”
Despite this background, he has truly showed his true colors in the youth setup. He has 15 goals and eight assists in 38 games for the Under 23s. United has made him a contract offer, but the player has not yet accepted it.
The Baggies ought to jump on this information and make Forson an offer at the Hawthorns. Though he is not as polished as players like Willock or Murphy, at 19, he has the potential to be an important member of the team and grow with more seasoned players if given playing time.
In addition, if he plays up to par, the Baggies might be able to profit from his potential high transfer value.
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