West Brom could land two leading targets without spending a penny in transfer fees this summer with Motherwell’s Max Johnston and Rotherham United’s Chiedozie Ogbene both out of contract.
Saturday’s dull goalless draw between the Baggies and Millwall summed up the good and the bad of Carlos Corberan’s side.
On the upside, West Brom have now not conceded a single goal from open play on home soil in 11 matches. On the other hand, they never really looked like opening the scoring at the other end either.
Only Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End, in the Championship’s top ten, have scored fewer goals than Albion in 2022/23.
Ogbene’s speed, work-rate, versatility and end product could come in very handy, then. The Republic of Ireland international – so impressive against France in Euro 2024 qualifying – has eight goals and three assists for relegation-threatened Rotherham this term.
With contract talks stalling, Ogbene certainly feels like a punt worth taking for West Brom (Irish Examiner).
West Brom like Chiedozie Ogbene and Max Johnston
The adaptable Ogbene, who is arguably at his most effective on the right-hand side, could also form a new-look partnership with Johnston on a revamped West Brom wing.
West Brom scouted the 19-year-old Motherwell full-back over the weekend, according to the Scottish Sun. And he too will be a free-agent in a matter of weeks; an extension at Firhill looking ‘increasingly unlikely’.
Johnson, who has an impressive five assists for Motherwell this term, could provide some valuable competition on the flank. The teenager would be a more attack-minded alternative to the technically-limited Darnell Furlong. Thus, giving Corberan a different sort of option in a key position.
“He’s been brilliant,” former Scotland and Rangers winger Neil McCann tells the BBC. “I’ve been really impressed with him since he’s come in.
“The one thing you’re always judged on in a wide area is your delivery. And I think he’s got fantastic delivery.”
With funds tight at the Hawthorns, the opportunity to sign two exciting, improving young talents without spending a penny may be on too good for West Brom to miss.
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