West Brom handed transfer dilemma after 'sudden' Brighton decision

West Bromwich Albion have lost a player on the first day of the January transfer window as Brighton and Hove Albion have cut Jeremy Sarmiento's loan spell short. The winger, who made 21 appearances for the Baggies, returns to the Amex Stadium just halfway through his season-long deal.

Sarmiento scored twice for West Brom, including a long-range belter away at Cardiff City. The official reason why his time at The Hawthorns has been ended by Brighton awaits to be seen, but it's likely due to a lack of game time in comparison to what was promised.

Although the Ecuador international made 20 appearances in the Sky Bet Championship, 13 of these were as a substitute. He was also taken off prematurely during six of his seven starts. Brighton were hoping he would be more of a key figure for the Baggies rather than a utility option.

West Brom face transfer dilemma after Brighton decision

Albion must now decide whether or not they will sign a new winger this month as Sarmiento's recall reduces the options available to Carlos Corberan. Grady Diangana's departure for the Africa Cup of Nations with Congo doesn't help matters, either. Meanwhile, Matt Phillips is injured.

That leaves just Jed Wallace, John Swift, Adam Reach, Tom Fellows and Pipa – and two of those aren't even natural wingers. Corberan will no doubt be demanding a signing as soon as possible, though West Brom's financial troubles mean there won't be many realistic options available.