West Brom need a striker - but they know all too well how tough January is

At West Brom and among the fanbase that will be no different. There is already much talk about what Albion need to do in terms of incomings.

We have already spoken at length on how the Carlos Corberan's side look light of a ball carrying midfielder, given the fact that the summer additions in that department are yet to really hit the mark.

The other area of the pitch which is being focussed on his up front - something that has been a reoccurring theme heading towards this window for some time now.

Ever since Albion dropped back into the Championship in 2021, it feels like the mid season window has been pivotal when it comes to strikers.

In 2022, they turned to Daryl Dike in a multi-million pound deal, then after a quick fire injury Andy Carroll soon arrived on loan until the end of the season.

In 2023, despite probably needing an addition up top, nothing was forthcoming and then last year Albion brought in youngster Callum Marshall on loan from West Ham.

As they head in 2025, they find themselves in the same situation again, where more firepower at the top end of the field may just be the difference between making the play-offs and facing another season in the division.

Josh Maja began the season like a train, but has dropped off in part due to the fact he has had no assistance or someone who can come in and fill his boots.

Karlan Grant has played predominantly off the left, but has been able to help fill that hole up top when required.

As we've already discussed this week, Devante Cole seems very much unfancied, and then it leaves the question around Dike and his fitness.

It is hoped that his comeback from his latest injury nightmare will arrive in the New Year, and that may well play a big part in Albion's January activity.

But because his fitness cannot wholly be relied on, given what has gone before him, for me there is a massive need for another striker in the window, if Albion are going to realise their goal of reaching the play-offs again.

Maja cannot do it all on his own, we have seen that so far and Albion are up to now one of the lowest scorers at the top end of the table, so that all points to needing a forward.

That brings me onto my next point. It is easier said than done in the longer summer window, in January it is even more difficult.

Unless you strike with a loanee from a top club or having a big pot of money to spend, it may be more down to luck.

I have no doubt the pool Albion will be looking in will be the loan market, but we have seen as recently as last season that has its pitfalls. West Ham youngster Marshall no doubt has a great career ahead of him, and is doing okay in League One at the moment.

But he was clearly not ready, and it was a gamble from Albion. The last January striking hit they had was probably Mbaye Diange. But that was in the Premier League and the finances involved were larger.

There is no question the sporting director and those involved in recruitment will have already identified targets. The next questions are whether they can get a deal done, and whether they will make a big enough impact.

The issues raised above won't just be ones Albion are trying to navigate, but clubs up and down the EFL will face a similar task. The mid season window is a crucial one, but it is also an extremely difficult one.