Image ref 130667721. Copyright Shutterstock No reproduction without permission. See www.shutterstock.com/license for more information.
Carlos Corberan could solve big West Brom issue by taking Devante Cole, Josh Maja action
What may have initially appeared as a shrewd signing for promotion contenders West Bromwich Albion is becoming more concerning as the striker continues to find opportunities hard to come by whilst the Baggies’ struggles continue.
The arrival of 29-year-old free agent Devante Cole in the summer transfer window is one that perplexed West Brom fans even at its announcement.
Questions were raised about the age of the forward, who has only managed to truly showcase his capability as a marksman in his past two years.
The former Barnsley striker registered 15 goals in 2022/23 and an impressive 18 in 2023/24, helping the Tykes to finish in the League One play-offs in both years and finished third in the 2023/24 golden boot race (Flashscore).
In both of these seasons, the number nine also outperformed his xG of 13.46 in 2022/23 and 16.25 in 2023/24 (FotMob), showing his ability to thrive as a goalscorer with minimal service, a service that logically would have increased the with Cole’s step-up to the second tier.
The Baggies themselves have also failed to see a striker register in the top five of the league’s highest scorers since Dwight Gayle in the 2018/19 season, and as their xG rises to 16.4 versus their actual tally of 14 (all stats from Fbref), Cole’s clinical prowess seems a logical fix.
But as West Brom have found the net only twice in their last six games and Daryl Dike’s West Brom return is pushed back yet again, it is concerning that the 29-year-old has only managed to find a way onto the pitch once for the senior side since August.
The key concern surrounding his summer move to The Hawthorns seems to be rooted in reality, that maybe the move up in tier is one he is not quite ready for.
