West Brom is trying desperately to sign Adam Armstrong, a striker for Southampton, on a straight loan for the remainder of the season, possibly beating out a number of other Championship teams in the process.
According to the Telegraph, Albion is “hopeful” of making a last-minute move for Armstrong, who is willing to leave Saints temporarily in exchange for a price. The forward has been speculatively connected to the Baggies all day, but it seems to have been circling around as a deal is about to be finalised.
In addition to acquiring Will Lankshear on loan from Tottenham Hotspur the other day and securing Tammer Bany from Randers on deadline day to strengthen his offensive ranks, Tony Mowbray isn’t finished yet.
Armstrong, who scored 21 goals and provided 13 assists in 46 Championship games for Southampton during their promotion run last season, is reportedly Mowbray’s “final piece of the jigsaw.” Even though West Brom has lost a few important players in the last six months due to injuries and transfers, Mowbray is making every effort to make things right.
Armstrong was connected to Leeds United earlier in the deadline day, according to The Daily Mail, which stated that the Lilywhites were very interested in a possible loan agreement. Elland Road was mentioned as a possible destination, but it looks like the striker will now transfer to The Hawthorns, provided the necessary paperwork is ready in time.
West Brom needs to have processed the contracts by 11 p.m. since the EFL no longer uses “deal sheets.” Only an announcement will verify the persistent rumours that the Baggies were barely able to complete the purchase in time.
Armstrong, who joined Southampton from Blackburn in 2021 for around £15 million, has struggled along with his teammates in the Premier League this season. The Saints are currently rock bottom of the top-tier standings, on just nine points after 24 matches played. Only 18 goals have been scored in that time.
Armstrong can claim two of those, and the 27-year-old has helped with two more. Given that he scored two goals in the play-off semi-final last season, dashing Albion’s hopes of promotion, it is rather ironic that he could be on the verge of doing so. It is anticipated that a loan transfer to the Championship will help him regain his form.
It would be a complete circle if Armstrong could assist Mowbray’s Baggies in winning this time. Albion will gain from having more depth, so Armstrong’s presence should be a huge boost even if he doesn’t directly contribute during the playoffs.
In other news, Alex Palmer, the goalie, just completed a stunning £5 million transfer to Ipswich Town, a Premier League team. The goalie, who was a candidate to win the Championship Golden Glove again this season after winning it last season, has earned a promotion to the top division.
