WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - MAY 3: James Morrison Interim Head Coach of West Bromwich Albion during the Sky Bet Championship match between West Bromwich Albion FC and Luton Town FC at The Hawthorns on May 3, 2025 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Adam Fradgley/West Bromwich Albion FC via Getty Images)
West Brom ‘particularly interested’ in new transfer target, it could mean key player is about to be sold
West Brom are reportedly eyeing FC Sion defender Gora Diouf as they look to revitalise their squad after missing out on the play-offs.Â
After a torrid run of form under Tony Mowbray, which saw the 61-year-old relieved of his duties and replaced by club icon James Morrison for their final two games of the campaign against Cardiff City and Luton Town, it is set to be a summer of evolution at The Hawthorns.
Various first-team figures are set to leave the club on the expiry of their contracts, while a new manager still needs to be appointed with West Brom already warned against ‘big risk’ manager choice.
Restrictions surrounding Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) also remain for owner Shilen Patel to contend with.
With things tight financially and the team needing a shake-up, it’s possible West Brom will be on the hunt for good deals and will look to sell some players they already have.
But it appears some transfer plans are already under way, with the Baggies rumoured to be considering strengthening their defensive line to help bolster the squad.
The club will also want to ensure they stay competitive for a charge towards the play-offs next season with the West Brom chairman already delivering a message to the fans.
West Brom ‘interested’ in Gora Diouf addition from FC Sion
According to Africa Foot, the Baggies are in contact with Gora Diouf, who is out of contract this summer at FC Sion, but they face stiff competition from a number of Turkish clubs for his signature.
FC Sion will allegedly find it tough to keep hold of Diouf as he isn’t willing to agree on an extension, and Albion are thought to have contacted the defender’s entourage to begin discussions.
Meanwhile, Africa Foot lists that Turkish sides Trabzonspor and Samsunspor are rivalling the Baggies in their pursuit. Both clubs are believed to have made offers, meaning West Brom will have to act fast.
The Senegalese defender will probably be weighing things up a lot before he makes a decision on his future, especially with his last two games for the club against Grasshoppers and FC Winterthur coming up.
West Brom need defensive reinforcements
If there’s one area West Brom need to improve in, it’s their defensive line.
Semi Ajayi is set to depart the club on a free transfer after two hamstring injuries spoiled the majority of the campaign, while Caleb Taylor is set to return from a prosperous loan period with Wycombe Wanderers.
Another defender would mean the Black Country side have four options to play with, which will be particularly important given the club was badly hampered by issues in that area last season.
Meanwhile, Kyle Bartley appeared to run out of steam during the final run-in, and at the age of 33, hasn’t proven that he can start regularly for the next relentless 46-game slog. The pursuit of a free agent like Diouf could also suggest the club are preparing for the potential sale of a key player.
Torbjorn Heggem was a standout player for the Baggies last season with the Norwegian awarded Player of the Season after joining the club for just £500,000 last summer. It has led to speculation among fans that he could be drawing interest from elsewhere.
Despite lacking English football experience, Heggem’s swift adaptation to the Championship suggests Diouf could similarly succeed, aligning with West Brom’s positive track record in recruiting overseas talent.
Recent discussions regarding potential departures have centered around forward Josh Maja and defender Darnell Furlong, both of whom have entered the final year of their contracts. Selling either player could provide the club with necessary funds as West Brom look to rebuild.
