It’s been another West Brom-like season for the Baggies, as they’ve maintained their spot amongst the top-tier for another season but have done little to show progression. Once considered the ultimate yo-yo club, they’re now accustomed to finding themselves in mid-table.
With the influx of money coming into the Premier League from next season though, it’s the perfect time for a club like West Brom to improve upon their fortunes and the Birmingham-based outfit will be the sole flag bearers for their region next year, following Aston Villa’s demise.
Money to spend is likely to be put in the hands of Tony Pulis but that doesn’t guarantee success on it’s own, just ask QPR, so the manager has to wield the axe on some underperforming players- whilst it is also worth cashing in on others.
Ahead of a major season in the Premier League, we’ve identified five players West Brom should axe. Perhaps some of these are a tad controversial, so do let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Hit Pulis below to see FIVE players he must axe this summer!
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Saido Berahino
Undoubtably the most talented player within West Brom’s squad, it’s understandable that the preference of many would be to keep the England U21 international. However, it’s been clear for a while that Berahino wants a move away from the club and keeping a player who doesn’t want to be there can always present problems.
The 22-year-old would fetch a high price in the transfer market, as is customary for British players, and Tony Pulis could use those funds to strengthen his squad with players who do what to be there. Any further delay in selling Berahino would see his price plummet and, to be fair, his form has dropped this season anyway.
Victor Anichebe
The former Everton man is now 28-years-old and should be acclimatising to his best years as a footballer. However, since moving from the Merseyside outfit to West Brom three-years ago, Anichebe has managed just 49 Premier League appearances.
With just three starts this season, and nothing of a statistical benefit to boast, it seems Anichebe is outside of Pulis’ long-term plans at the club and is therefore expendable, which would free up a space in the squad for a better serving player.
Rickie Lambert
Since starring for Southampton and earning himself a chance with the England national team, Rickie Lambert has struggled to further his career. The 34-year-old failed to impress at Liverpool and left the club last summer.
Whilst it was hoped he could re-find his form at West Brom, Lambert has scored just one goal in 19 Premier League appearances for the Baggies and is therefore expendable. With only 32 goals scored in 35 league games this season, it’s clear Tony Pulis needs to improve his attacking contingent.
Jonas Olsson
The 33-year-old Swede is one of the more regular members of Tony Pulis side but with the money coming into the Premier League, West Brom should be preparing for the future and must assemble a more long-term plan.
Due to his age, Olsson is expendable because of this and his form at stages of the season has been pretty poor. 43 goals isn’t a bad number for a side like West Brom to concede over the course of the season but it’s definitely something that needs to be fixed if they are to climb the table next term.
Ben Foster or Boaz Myhill
Tony Pulis needs to make a decision as to which goalkeeper he wants to be first-choice at West Brom and, once making that call, the other veteran goalkeeper within his ranks must leave. With both stoppers at 33-years-old, it’s a dangerous game to be playing.
Both keepers have featured regularly this term, with Myhill earning appearances during Foster’s absence through injury, and it seems the England international would be the more favoured choice. By bringing in or promoting a young goalkeeper as an understudy to this experienced man, West Brom will be stronger moving forward.
