Premier League Southampton are plotting a move for West Bromwich Albion forward Brandon Thomas-Asante, who starred in the Championship last season. League Two Salford City could also land a sizable transfer boost according to reports.
Newly promoted Southampton are preparing for their first season back in the Premier League after swiftly gaining promotion from the Championship at the first time of asking, winning the playoffs against Leeds United.
They have been one of the busier sides in the Premier League, already making several signings in preparation for the new season. They have brought back former loanees Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Flynn Downes, along with Saints icon Adam Lallana, who returns after spending a decade away from the club.
Southampton have also brought in multiple defenders, signing Charlie Taylor on a free from Burnley, alongside young prodigies Ronnie Edwards from Peterborough United and Nathan Woods from Swansea City, with Yukawari Sugawara being the side’s seventh signing so far this window.
However, Southampton lost one of their regular starters, Che Adams, who joined the Italian side Torino. The Saints may be looking for his replacement, plotting a move for West Brom’s Brandon Thomas-Asante.
How did Asante fair last season?
Thomas-Asante was one of Carlos Corberan’s key players last season for West Brom, helping the Baggies finish in the playoffs, where they lost out to the eventual winners, Southampton.
The Ghanaian international was West Broms main striker last season, playing 39 times in the league, scoring 11 goals and picking up two assists, finishing the season as the Baggies top scorer.
Thomas-Asante started the first playoff game against the Saints but struggled to make an impact and was then dropped to the bench for the following match, coming on as a substitute. The Baggies lost the semi-finals on aggregate 3-1, with Asante not making an impact in either game.
In all competitions, Asante made 43 appearances, scoring 12 and picking up two assists, helping West Brom reach the playoffs.
Baggies may cash in on Asante.
West Brom had an impressive campaign, finishing in the playoffs, and Carlos Corberan may push his side to improve on last season and go further, aiming for promotion.
However, they face a tricky situation with Brandon Thomas-Asante, who has only one year left on his contract. This window gives the Baggies a chance of cashing in on the forward without losing him for free, and they may do so with Southampton plotting a move.
Salford City in the money
Salford City may pay close attention to this deal. The League Two side sold Thomas-Asante to West Brom back in 2022 for £300k with a sell-on clause also involved in the deal according to Simon Stone which could benefit them this transfer window. If the Ghanaian is sold this window, Salford would get some of the money from the deal, which could help strengthen their side for the upcoming season. The exact percentage is unknown at this stage but it could land the club a sizeable boost.
Will Asante replace Adams?
According to Football Insider, Southampton have set their sights on Thomas-Asante, who may be needed for what could be a tough challenge for the Saints.
The last time Southampton were in the Premier League, they struggled for goals, scoring only 36 and finishing bottom of the league. If they want to survive this year, they may have to bring in reinforcements up front.
Asante can help the Saints with his versatility, being able to play both on the wings and centrally, but there could be too much pressure on the former Salford man, who has never played in the Premier League before.
Thomas-Asante may be a cheap solution for the Saints, but with no Premier League experience, there could be better options to replace Che Adams, such as Ben Brereton Diaz, who has also been linked with Southampton.
Diaz may not be costly either, as the deal could potentially be a loan. Brereton has also played in the Premier League, where he scored six goals and impressed in a struggling Sheffield United side.
It could be interesting to see if Southampton move in for Thomas-Asante or decides to look elsewhere to fill the void Che Adams has left.