According to the latest reports from Birmingham Mail, West Bromwich Albion are being tipped to sign Newcastle United’s forward Dwight Gayle in January on loan. The Baggies tried to sign him permanently in the summer, but they couldn’t get the move over the line because of financial constraints. They are again interested in him along with Leeds United and Nottingham Forest.
Leeds United are struggling to score goals freely even though they play a possession-based attacking brand of football. Patrick Bamford has come under a lot of fire for his recent performances as he is going through a goal drought. The Whites have Eddie Nketiah as the other option who is yet to start a game in the Championship as Bielsa has so far preferred to use him only as an impact substitute.
We feel that if someone like Dwight Gayle is available, then the Whites should look to get him. However, Gayle had a stint with the Baggies last season where he bagged 24 goals for them. Therefore they should have the edge in signing him, and the latest reports also confirm the same.
Gayle’s brilliance in the Championship
Gayle is a proven performer at the Championship level as he fired West Brom to the play-off places last season. He also played a stellar role when Newcastle United dropped down to the Championship. Gayle’s overall goal tally in the English second tier stands at 59 goals along with 16 assists in 100 appearances.
The Englishman likes to make runs between the channels, and he has decent pace, which can trouble the Championship defenders. He is also a lethal finisher and has that instinct of a striker to be at the right place at the right time.
The Whites have dropped quite a few points this season because of their shoddy finishing and poor decision making in the final third. They don’t have a proven goalscorer in the final third and even with all their domination; they are struggling to score more than one goal. Someone like Gayle can change that in January, and he will add a lot more cutting edge to the side in attack.
Worrying signs for Leeds United
Meanwhile, Bristol City have been linked with a move to get Eddie Nketiah in January. With Bielsa yet to start him in the Championship, Arsenal couldn’t be blamed if they recall him back and send him to the Robins where he gets starts regularly. United had begun their season on a positive note, but now things seem to be crumbling. Someone like Gayle can get them back on track but knowing Bielsa, he will continue to play Bamford upfront. Moreover, West Brom anyway seems to be in the driver’s seat to sign the 29-year-old.
