WALSALL, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Devante Cole new signing for West Bromwich Albion is unveiled at West Bromwich Albion Training Ground on July 30, 2024 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Adam Fradgley/West Bromwich Albion FC via Getty Images)
The West Brom striker situation: Who starts for Ryan Mason and who will be sold?
West Brom have a number of striker options on the books now, with Aune Heggebo joining the ranks earlier this week.
West Brom are in for a summer of change as the transition to new management. WBA have entrusted Ryan Mason with the task of replacing Tony Mowbray, whose return to The Hawthorns was not as successful as hoped.
Early business has not been regular, but the Baggies have made some eye-catching signings. They opened up the summer with a move for defender Nat Phillips, who signs from Liverpool after a successful Derby County loan.
Signing number two was made earlier this week, and excitement has quickly grown over the success he could find. Norwegian ace Aune Heggebo has come in from SK Brann, and will be backed to come in and make a positive impact in Mason’s setup.
However, with his signing, West Brom now have five out-and-out strikers on the books, on top of Karlan Grant who has spent much of his career at striker. With that said, who starts? And who could make way?
Mason’s favoured West Brom striker
Josh Maja is going to be in pole position to start for West Brom next season. The Nigerian was a big hit last season, finding fantastic form before injury frustratingly curtailed his campaign.
Interestingly though, it could be that Maja is tasked with partnering someone. His link up play was brilliant last season, and if that is the case, new signing Heggebo could be the favoured choice alongside him.
Heggebo arrives at WBA with seven goals and two assists in 13 Eliteserien games to his name this season and as a powerful striker with good goalscoring instincts, the link-up play can be left to Maja while Heggebo occupies the space right in front of goal.
Of thee other strikers on the books, one man who could prove food for thought is Daryl Dike. Fresh off the back of injury hell, the American is fit again and showed just what the Baggies had been missing with a fine final day display against Luton Town.
Who could WBA move on?
Perhaps as has been expected, West Brom will likely move on Devante Cole. He was signed as cover and competition last summer but having featured rarely, it seems for all intents and purposes that he will move on.
However, it is not out of the question that Karlan Grant joins him. As an option both out wide and up front, he has proven a solid option, but it could be the time to cash in and cut their losses given his deal expires next summer.
Tammer Bany is also on the books, but it seems more likely that he takes up a supporting role. There is excitement over his future, but he will be someone for WBA to develop, be it as a striker or attacking midfielder.
