3 centre-backs West Brom should target this summer ahead of defensive rebuild
West Brom are heading for a crucial summer transfer window following the conclusion of the 2024/25 Championship campaign.
West Brom enter the off-season on the lookout for a new manager after parting ways with Tony Mowbray. It will be a crucial appointment for WBA, who have already been linked with a number of potential targets
While the managerial hunt persists, the Baggies will be laying the blueprints for summer transfer plans too. A busy summer lays ahead at The Hawthorns and looking at the squad, it seems highly likely that at least one centre-back signing will be made.
Semi Ajayi is reportedly set to leave upon the expiry of his deal while Mason Holgate’s loan is coming to a close. That leaves only Kyle Bartley as an option to partner player of the season Torbjorn Heggem at the back.
With that in mind, we put forward three centre-backs who West Brom should be targeting ahead of a likely defensive rebuild…
Harry Darling – Swansea City
Harry Darling’s future has been up in the air for some time and as the summer window approaches, his contract at Swansea City is still yet to be renewed. An offer is on the table, but it remains to be seen whether the 25-year-old signs it.
Having progressed through the leagues, Darling has proven himself as a top Championship centre-back and could be a perfect signing for West Brom. He’s got time to develop and would be available for nothing.
Darling will not be short of other admirers but WBA would be foolish not to be among them.
Stelios Andreou – RSC Charleroi
The Baggies haven’t hesitated to look overseas for new signings in recent windows and a centre-back option abroad could be Cypriot international Stelios Andreou.
Aged 22, Andreou has become a standout in Belgium with RSC Charleroi, appearing 122 times for the club. He’s a solid athlete and physical presence so should be well-equipped to deal with the rigours of Championship football.
With 24 caps for Cyprus, Andreou has a good level of pedigree to his name but at a young age, he could be someone who develops into a real asset for West Brom. He has a year left on his contract, so might not break the bank either.
Maksym Talovierov – Plymouth Argyle
Last but not least is Makysm Talovierov, who emerged as a standout player for Plymouth Argyle after joining in January. He signed a long-term deal until 2028 upon arrival but following relegation, the Pilgrims will be susceptible to offers.
Talovierov has built a quick affinity with the south coast club but a West Brom offer could be tempting. He’s a player far above League One level and has a place in the Ukraine squad to try and maintain.
The 24-year-old could form a fantastic partnership with WBA favourite Heggem but it remains to be seen just what his future looks like at Home Park.
‘In the frame’ – Former Birmingham City and West Brom boss among favourites for Championship manager’s job
Former Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion head coach Tony Mowbray is one of the favourites to take the Hull City job, with current Tigers manager Ruben Selles highly likely to get the sack.
Hull recently survived relegation to League One by the narrowest of margins, staying up due to having a superior goal difference to 22nd-placed Luton Town, who have now suffered two successive drops down the divisions. Hull were eager to challenge for the play-offs at the start of 2024/25, so it was a disastrous season, and Selles was at the helm for much of it.
Speculation has been building ever since the end of the campaign, with Selles now looking set to depart the MKM Stadium. Hull owner Acun Ilicali has been weighing up his options for the past few days and his decision will be communicated in due course, though it seems likely it won’t be good news for Selles.
BBC Radio Humberside reports that a change of manager is the likeliest outcome at Hull despite Selles keeping the club in the Championship. Rather crucially, it’s stated that Mowbray, who was sacked by West Brom last month, is a “name in the frame” if the job becomes available
