West Bromwich Albion are approaching what’s set to be a transformative transfer window.
The Baggies are still yet to appoint a new head coach to replace Tony Mowbray but that hasn’t stopped the club from planning ahead for possible transfer business.
As Mowbray revealed during his explosive final press conference, there’s a disconnect between the recruitment team and manager at The Hawthorns, so, on the transfer front, it doesn’t really matter that a successor is yet to be hired. It would be handy to have some direction on tactics and formation, of course, but it’s not an absolute necessity.
There’s expected to be quite the turnover of players this summer as Grady Diangana, John Swift and Semi Ajayi are departing at the end of their contracts and a number of other players – including Kyle Bartley, Jed Wallace, Alex Mowatt, Karlan Grant, Josh Maja and Daryl Dike – are entering their final 12 months.
West Brom’s wage structure could be revamped if many of the senior players mentioned depart The Hawthorns, while the personnel could be completely different come the start of next season. Players can’t really leave without being replaced, after all, with Albion in need of depth and quality if they are to improve and qualify for the Championship play-offs in 2025/26.
Who could the Baggies sign, then? Well, there have been links with Tottenham Hotspur attacking midfielder Jamie Donley, while Albion are understood to be after in the market for a new striker, a versatile winger, several centre-backs and a right-back. Other positions could yet be targeted, too, depending on who leaves.
West Brom’s summer transfers predicted by AI
As is often the case with West Brom, specific transfer targets are rarely shared with the media and speculation can be quiet. As a result, Birmingham World has decided to enlist the help of artificial intelligence to try and work out what direction the Baggies may head in this summer.
Grok, X’s very own AI tool, has been of great use in the past, so we asked the robot for a hand again by asking who Albion should sign this summer. Its suggestions were varied, with some bold and some reasonable. Without further ado, here’s a full run-through.
Gora Diouf (FC Sion, free): With Albion eager to sign at least one new centre-back this summer, Grok has encouraged a move for Sion’s Gora Diouf. The 21-year-old will be a free agent when his contract expires on June 30 and he has been a regular starter in the Swiss Super League. Albeit inexperienced, the Senegalese could provide healthy competition for Kyle Bartley.
Harry Darling (Swansea City, free): Another potential free agent centre-back signing, according to Grok at least, could be Swansea’s Harry Darling. Talks are ongoing over a new contract for the Swans defender – and Birmingham City have been linked – but West Brom could try and perform an ambitious hijack. Darling started 38 of Swansea’s 46 Championship games in 2024/25.
Charlie Savage (Reading, £2m): The son of former Birmingham and Leicester City star Robbie Savage, Charlie Savage has been suggested by Grok as a replacement for John Swift. The 22-year-old impressed in Reading throughout 2024/25, scoring five goals and making nine assists in 45 appearances. Savage is predominantly a box-to-box midfielder and Grok reckons he’d be available for £2 million given Reading’s financial struggles.









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