Whoever said you need to speculate to accumulate? Or, in other words, break the bank to secure promotion back to the big time.
West Bromwich Albion, their worst league season in two decades still fresh in the memory, are heading into 2022/23 with a renewed, if still tentative, sense of optimism. And if Okay Yokuslu returns to the Hawthorns – something that previously looked about as likely as Newcastle United erecting a Steve Bruce-shaped statue on the grounds of St James’ Park – then the Baggies will have signed three players capable of walking into almost any Championship XI without spending a single penny on transfer fees.
A Swift signing and a brilliant one too
Bruce, at the start of the summer, spoke openly about his desire to add a dash of flair to a West Brom side who’s performances last term could have been prescribed as a cure for insomnia.
“We lack creativity,” he sighed. “We’ve got no real pace in the top area or in the midfield area. We are a bit samey.”
But, if the early signs are anything to go by, the arrival of John Swift from Reading could be a genuine difference-maker for a side who drew 13 league games in 2021/22. Just look at this for a through-ball. Like a katana through room temperature Lurpack.
Swift hit double figures both goals and assists in his final campaign at the Madejski Stadium. Jed Wallace, West Brom’s other high-profile attacking arrival, did the same in Millwall colours back in 2019/20. One of the most underrated footballers outside of the Premier League, Wallace represents an immediate upgrade on the likes of Matt Phillips and Callum Robinson, the latter of whom could be on his way back to Preston North End after being made available for transfer.
Deepdale boss Ryan Lowe this week labelled Robinson a ‘fantastic’ talent.
Daryl Dike is back and not a moment too soon
Bristol City, Reading, Blackpool, Swansea and Stoke. They are just five of the teams who scored more Championship goals than West Brom’s 52 last term. It’s hard to imagine the Baggies being so wasteful this time around. Especially if Wallace and Swift strike up an immediate understanding with Daryl Dike.
Dike has played just 84 minutes of football since joining from Orlando City for £7 million. The all-action American is on his way back to full fitness, however, and scored in Wednesday’s 3-0 hammering of Northampton Town.
Add Yokuslu and Dike to Semi Ajayi, Swift, Wallace and Karlan Grant and you’ve got the spine of a potentially outstanding Championship team. What’s more, you’d struggle to find a defensive midfielder in the whole of the division more accomplished than the Turkey international.
He now a free-agent following his release from Celta Vigo.
Yokuslu’s positional sense, tactical awareness and underrated passing range earned him plenty of admirers during an impressive loan spell at the Hawthorns under Sam Allardyce. And, much to Bruce’s surprise, a deal that looked out of West Brom’s reach only a couple of weeks ago is now within their grasp.
‘We’ve got a chance’
“I thought the ship had sailed,” Bruce said after the Baggies entered talks with Yokuslu (Express and Star).
“However, we have got a chance. We have got a chance. We will see where that takes us over the next couple of days.
“He’s a quality player, an international footballer, who was very successful when he was here a couple of years ago.
“I was very impressed with him when I saw him play in the Premier League. He’s a top pro, people at the club enjoyed working with him. He’s experienced, he will be a very, very, good player if we can get him.”
Yokuslu should slot in neatly at the heart of Bruce’s midfield. His discipline and reliability will give Swift and the box-to-box Jayson Molumby the freedom to influence play higher up the pitch.
Now, the West Brom rebuild is far from over. Cover at right-back is required. The presence of Adam Reach and Robinson in midfield roles during pre-season highlights a lack of options in the centre too.
But a West Brom side boasting Yokuslu, Swift, Wallace and a fully-fit Daryl Dike looks, at the very least, a serious play-off contender.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
