West Bromwich Albion managed to breathe a much needed sigh of relief at the end of the season.
Despite conceding a point late on, they survived the biggest threat of relegation from the Championship, while Leicester City's men stole the headlines.
If last season proved anything, it's that relegation is very possible for those at the Hawthorns, who can't make things go wrong in the summer transfer window.
Why West Brom must welcome attacking stars this summer
When West Brom complete their post-mortem on their season, they will find that the main cause of death was their front line.
The likes of Daryl Dike, who has been released, Karlan Grant and Josh Maja have all endured a disappointing season as the Baggies have scored just 48 goals in the Championship – a lower total than Leicester's side.
New Jack Clarke: West Brom and Sheffield United could sign £10m star on loan
West Brom and Sheffield United are set to compete to sign the £10m winger.
Fixing that problem seems to be high on the club's priority list, given that they have released the injured Dike after four years in the Midlands.
The American wasn't the only attacking star either. Winger Jed Wallace has also been let go at the end of the season – again highlighting West Brom's intention to rebuild their front line.
Whether Grant and Maja will meet the same fate for the price this summer remains to be seen. In the meantime, they are expected to turn things around with any potential arrivals, both offered new deals by the club.
|
Bravery 25/26 |
Maja |
Grant |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
1,532 |
1,620 |
|
Goals |
4 |
4 |
|
It helps |
1 |
0 |
|
XG |
5.53 |
3.31 |
After netting eight league goals this season, to say the two front-runners could improve in the Midlands would be an understatement – especially if Ben Brereton Diaz is there.
West Brom should sign Breton Diaz to replace Maja & Grant
What West Brom need right now is a proven Championship striker with Premier League experience on his CV. And that's why Breton Diaz is the perfect choice to turn to this summer.
The Chilean, who recently enjoyed a respectable season on loan from Southampton at Derby County, will end West Brom's search for a permanent player, which has reduced the need to marry Maja and Grant.
|
Brereton Diaz 25/26 |
|
|---|---|
|
Minutes |
3,067 |
|
Goals |
7 |
|
It helps |
3 |
|
XG |
7.43 |
It hasn't been an outstanding season for Derby, but it has been consistent throughout the campaign. In the same season that Maja, Grant and Dike combined for only ten league goals, Breton Diaz scored eight.
Previous reports have suggested that West Brom are interested in the 27-year-old and they would be wise to turn that interest into an offer this summer.
Even after the spy-gate scandal exposed Southampton and cost them a place at Wembley, Brereton Diaz could prove to be a surplus to St Mary's needs next season.
It was around this time last year that he was preparing for a loan move to Derby. Now, if he is there, West Brom should look to gain an edge over their rivals and embrace some much-needed attacking expertise.
It is worth noting that the efforts of Breton Diaz almost helped Derby a lot in the playoffs. He helped the Rams move from 19th place and battle for relegation to move four points behind the top six. It was a remarkable turnaround, with the former Sheffield United man playing his part.
After a year on loan at Pride Park, he could get the chance to do the same at West Brom. The Baggies, like Derby one season ago, have just endured a season of relegation due to second place, but will be looking for the top six very soon.
An experienced scorer would be a great addition to Dike, Maja and Grant this summer.
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