West Brom supporters in the Transfer Tavern are somewhat looking forward to the new era at their football club following the appointment of Darren Moore as the club’s new manager last month.
The 44-year-old took over as caretaker at the Hawthorns back in April following the departure of Alan Pardew, and the former centre back almost masterminded the impossible by recording three wins and two draws from his six Premier League games in charge, although it wasn’t enough to keep them in the top-flight. And while they are heading down to the Championship, there is a sense of optimism among our resident Baggies fans that he can be the man to propel them back up into the top tier of English football.
As such, there are many expectant West Brom fans in the Tavern at present, several of whom are likely to be intrigued by recent reports linking their club with a move for Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong.
And were the Midlands outfit to seal a deal for the £1.8 million-rated star (as per Transfermarkt), it would help them in their quest to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.
Ultimately, the Baggies could well be short of central midfield quality come the start of the 2018/19 season, what with both Claudio Yacob and James Morrison out of contract this summer and having yet to agree an extension at the Hawthorns.
On loan star Grzegorz Krychowiak will return to Paris Saint-Germain at the expiration of his temporary spell while one would expect Jake Livermore, on England’s standby list for this summer’s World Cup, to move on in a bid to keep his inernational hopes alive heading into the coming years.
Thus, Moore may not have too many options at his disposal, yet not only would the addition of Armstrong thus bolster those ranks, but it would also serve to bring genuine midfield quality to the West Brom ranks.
The 26-year-old may have only started 25 times for Celtic this term, coming off the bench on 16 other occasions, yet he still managed to score five goals and lay on six assists for Brendan Rodgers’ side, helping them to another domestic treble.
And having played in numerous roles in the middle of the park, from a slightly more defensive-minded position to a more advanced role, the Scotland international would also bring some versatility to the Baggies ranks, which will undoubtedly aid them in the long, hard slog that is a Championship campaign.
Add in over 200 Scottish Premiership appearances, as well as caps at international level for Scotland, and Armstrong is a very accomplished midfielder and one many sides would benefit from having in their side – there’s a reason the likes of West Brom, Brighton, Crystal Palace, and Southampton are keen on the 26-year-old.
But with the Baggies seeking the additions that can take them back to the top-flight at the first time of asking, the adept Armstrong would be a fine signing, and one that would without doubt enhance their Championship promotion credentials.
West Brom fans… what do you think? Let us know!
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