With the departures of Victor Anichebe and Stephan Sessegnon and the future of Saido Berahino remaining uncertain, West Bromwich Albion are one of the many clubs of the Premier League who needs to buy forwards before the start of next season. Manager Tony Pulis though tried addressing the issue quickly and moved for wantaway West Ham United striker Diafra Sakho only to pull out of the deal in the last minute with concerns regarding the fitness of the player after he failed his medical. The midlands club are now looking at other targets and Aston Villa forward Jordan Ayew, has attracted the attention of the Midlands club. Recent reports have indicated that Watford ace Odion Ighalo is also a player targeted.
With the recent change in the managerial position at Vicarage road, there were bound to be some changes. New boss Walter Mazzarri likes to play with a three-man backline and prefers mobile and quick forwards to lead his line. Ighalo had a wonderful start to the campaign last season and scored 14 goals before the turn of the year. The 27-year-old then suffered a dip in form and netted just 3 times in the second half, struggling to play against high defensive lines. Ighalo has good physicality and finishing ability but he lacks pace which is primarily the reason why Mazzarri is ready to encash him and get someone who will be more suited to his style of play, have some pace.
Watford rejected a bid of £38 m from Chinese club Shanghai SIPG earlier this summer with the player also not willing to leave the Premier League and travel to China. However, The Hornets would be interested to do business with the Baggies as they would look to reach to some sort of agreement for a player in Saido Berahino, who is unsettled at West Brom as he wants to leave and is a type of player Mazzarri would be interested in having in his team as a forward.
West Brom manager Tony Pulis would be very happy if he can get the deal done for Ighalo is the type of forward perfectly suited for the Midlands club. The Nigeria forward can fulfill the role of the target man perfectly, holding on to the ball and finishing the chances himself inside the penalty area. Last season was a very good indicator that the striker can score in the top flight and will benefit more at the Hawthorns with the type of style Pulis’ teams are known for. Ighalo has very good aerial ability and physical prowess which suits West Brom perfectly. If Pulis can get the Watford man in his team for next season then the Baggies would have a potent threat up front for next season which will be much needed.
