Carlton Palmer urges West Brom to make new January signing as Brandon Thomas-Asante development emerges
Carlton Palmer has urged West Brom to sign a new forward in case Brandon Thomas-Asante is named in the Ghana squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations Speaking to Football League World up on Friday (22 December), the pundit said Carlos Corberan will be keen to add to his attacking options after the uncapped 24-year-old has been named in the Black Stars’ provisional 55-man squad for the tournament.
But he added that the financial position of the club is going to make things “difficult” for the Albion boss after he was forced to let players go in the summer to balance the books.
“West Bromwich Albion sit fifth in the Championship, exceeding all expectations under Carlos Corberan this season,” said Palmer. “Brandon Thomas-Asante has been named in the provisional Ghana squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.
“The tournament goes from the 13th January for a month, so with long-term absences Daryl Dike and Josh Maja, Carlos will be keen to bring in forwards to keep their momentum going to secure a playoff position.
It might well be through the loans, but he certainly needs to push to get in forward replacements or the good progress in the first half of the season will be for nothing.”
Mixed feelings
There will be mixed feelings from those associated with West Brom as to whether Thomas-Asante is called up by Ghana for the Africa Cup of Nations.
In normal circumstances, Albion would be delighted to see one of their players handed such a huge opportunity in his career, having yet to make his international debut.
But the forward issue Corberan is facing at the Hawthorns means his potential departure for up to a month would put the manager in a difficult position, with Josh Maja and Daryl Dike sidelined through injury.
The situation is out of his hands, though, so it is going to depend on what decision the Ghana manager Chris Hughton makes over the next few weeks.
But if the Baggies’ forward options are reduced even further before the transfer window comes around, it is going to be tough to get anyone through the door given the current financial situation surrounding the club.
