West Brom manager Ryan Mason has hinted that the Baggies may pursue center midfield in January.
According to the Express and Star, Mason is in communication with the Hawthorns’ upper management regarding January recruiting.
With Alex Mowatt and Toby Collyer out for the rest of December, West Brom appear to be light in the middle of the park, with Jayson Molumby and Ousmane Diakite the only logical choices.
However, the Baggies manager remained very discreet about the precise details of the impending window, emphasizing the importance of the games between now and New Year’s Day.
Ryan Mason discusses West Brom’s January transfer strategy.
Despite the fact that the season is just halfway through, the Baggies have already had their share of ups and downs.
Sitting 16th, results and performances have been inconsistent, and speaking ahead of their trip to Hull City on Saturday, the Express and Star reported that Ryan Mason’s primary goal right now is to pick up as many points as possible in the final three games before the January transfer window opens.
That being said, he revealed that he is in discussions with the sporting director, Andrew Nestor, and the director of operations, Ian Pearce, on where the group might improve if the funds become available.
“We speak,” Mason remarked. “I believe as the opportunity closed, we chatted and agreed that there might be certain perspectives to consider. We are continuously communicating, however there are a few things. One is if you can do things.
While what has happened on the field in recent months may not have influenced plan, an unforeseen injury or a returning player in the next few games before the window opens may compel ideas to shift.
Alex Mowatt missed the 2-0 win over Sheffield United due to a foot ailment, while Toby Collyer has returned to parent club Manchester United for treatment on a calf issue.
The 34-year-old manager did not say whether West Brom are in a position to improve, instead focusing on the forthcoming games.
“We’re in a moment where we’ve got three or four more games until that point [the window opening], and we’ve remained quite consistent about things we’re looking at and areas we would like to improve,” Mason went on:
“My responsibility is to try to win football games.” Four games is an extended period of time in football. A lot can change, and momentum may feel different.
“Toby has recently suffered an injury, and Mowey is also injured, but we are unsure. Sometimes in football, you can prepare, but things happen, things change, and you get off track. We’ll deal with that when the time comes.”
Ryan Mason is right to focus solely on the remaining December matchups.
Following an outstanding performance and victory over an in-form Sheffield United side last Friday night, the main focus at the Hawthorns is on ensuring that this momentum continues into the congested Christmas season, and rightfully so.
The Baggies will face some difficult opponents over the next two weeks, including Hull, Bristol City, and QPR, before the January transfer window begins.
Given how tight the Championship is today, nine points in those games may mean the difference between remaining in the bottom half or breaking into the top six.
Perspectives can shift, and while transfer strategy will not change significantly if the Baggies are in the top ten rather than 16th, it may allow them to bring in higher-quality players next month to strengthen the squad.
So the goal now is to score as many points as possible in the coming week while also hope that the squad is as healthy as possible heading into January. These two criteria, combined with clear budgetary considerations, could shape their window.
xz
