West Bromwich Albion’s recent loss to Huddersfield Town could be a wakeup call for Tony Pulis’ side. The Baggies have been on an awful run as they have mustered only two wins in the Premier League so far.
They are just one point above the relegation zone and any wrongdoings in the next few matches could bring Pulis’ spell to an end. A number of Premier League clubs have already decided to sack their managers and if things do not improve, Pulis could follow suit.
There could be another blow for the Baggies as their ace defender Jonny Evans has been linked with a number of clubs and Manchester City are leading the line currently. The Northern Ireland international has easily the best defender at the Hawthorns for the past couple of seasons and has seen his stock skyrocketed following some stupendous defending.
Pep Guardiola wanted Evans even in the summer but the Baggies managed to hold on to him until the deadline day. But City have been on a delightful form and Pep is unlikely to compromise on his title aspirations and might go all in for him, this time around.
If Evans does leave the Hawthorns, the Baggies would have to look at an alternate target and here is a list of possible replacements they should scout:
Ahmed Hegazy:
The Egyptian defender has seamlessly fitted into Pulis’ plan as he has made a good start to his West Brom career. He is currently on loan from Egyptian club Al Ahly and has remained on the good books of Pulis.
The 26-year-old has been a regular for the Baggies this season and given his form, he is likely to be used more extensively as the season progresses. So Pulis does have a readymade option ready at his disposal and he needs to pull the trigger.
Chris Smalling (Manchester United):
The Manchester United defender has made a pretty quiet start to life in the Premier League this season as Eric Bailly and Phil Jones have been the preferred choice for Jose Mourinho. But Smalling has come up with some influential contribution and could be a solid addition to the Baggies.
West Brom was severely linked with the player on the summer deadline day and should go back for him if they lose their English international.
Ben Mee (Burnley):
Michael Keane’s absence hasn’t been felt as Ben Mee has been impressive at Turf Moor this season. Sean Dyche’s side has been pretty tight at the back and Mee has been at the centre of things. Pulis could use the defender alongside Hegazy in the central defence to see out this hectic season.
