West Brom’s January transfer window rated - as two key areas strengthened on deadline day

Although quiet for the majority of the January window, West Brom managed to make key additions to their squad in areas where they needed them. They also managed to ship out a couple who were not getting game time under manager Carlos Corberan, meaning they could recoup some of the wages on their books.

The beginning of the window was overshadowed by majority shareholder Guochuan Lai’s failure to pay back the £4.95 million loan he borrowed from the club, this left Albion fans concerned about what sort of budget would be available to the new boss in his first transfer window in charge. But despite the financial constraints they managed to bring in two new signings on deadline day that should strengthen the squad.

Here is how the Baggies’ transfer window panned out and how we think their business should be graded.

Incomings

Nathaniel Chalobah - B

The midfielder signed from Fulham on deadline day on an 18-month deal, for what was believed to be a nominal fee. Chalobah has two Championship promotions to his name with Fulham and Watford respectively, along with a Premier League winners medal from his time at Chelsea - the club where he is an academy graduate.

He had only made four appearances for the Cottagers following their promotion to the top flight last season and looked to move from West London in search of more game time. The 28-year-old is capable of playing a few roles in the middle of the park and provides much-needed depth behind the regular pairing of Okay Yokuslu and Jayson Molumby.

Marc Albrighton - A

He played every match in Leicester City’s 2015/16 Premier League title-winning campaign but had struggled for game time before making his deadline day switch to the Baggies. To get a player of the former Aston Villa man’s quality on loan for the remainder of the season is a great move that should benefit Corberan’s squad following the injury to Matt Phillips.

The winger picked up a quadriceps injury which will see him miss the rest of the season, a huge blow for the Baggies. But in Albrighton, they have an assured option at left-wing that will fill in for the defensive quality that will be missed in Phillips’ absence.

Outgoings

Zac Ashworth - Burton Albion on loan - C

Although a great opportunity to gain some experience amidst a League One relegation scrap, Ashworth could’ve been given some first-team minutes with Conor Townsend the only option Corberan has turned to at left-back. However, a loan move for the son of current Newcastle United Technical Director Dan Ashworth has been on the cards for a while and could provide him with the platform to come back and win a starting spot.

Martin Kelly - Wigan Athletic on loan - B

Signed after being released from Crystal Palace, Kelly showed some promise during Steve Bruce’s short tenure at Albion but failed to make an appearance in the league under new boss Corberan. A decent option but their squad is slightly bloated with centre-back options with Semi Ajayi, Kyle Bartley, Dara O’Shea, Erik Pieters and Kean Bryan all capable of playing that role.

Kenneth Zohore - Contract terminated - A

The striker signed from Cardiff City in the summer of 2019 during Slaven Bilic’s reign at the club, Zohore only managed 23 appearances for the Baggies with none of those coming within the past 12 months.

Having been injured for large parts of his reign, it was the best option for both parties for the Dane to move on. Later on deadline day after his contract was mutually terminated, he signed for Danish Superliga side Odense Boldklub.