West Brom missed a trick by not sealing controversial Wolves transfer | OneFootball

Wolves' Sasa Kalajdzic could've been a risk worth taking for West Brom to strengthen their attacking options.

West Brom had a very busy window under Ryan Mason, and their fantastic early start to the season suggests many of the new recruits will be able to make a big impact.

Of course, there is always more you can do, and there is a feeling that they are a winger short after the departure of Tom Fellows to Southampton.

As well as that, Mason may have wanted another attacker, as whilst Aune Heggebo has been very impressive, Josh Maja’s fitness record is a worry, and Karlan Grant may be required down the flanks.

Sasa Kalajdzic could have been a gamble worth taking for West Brom

Therefore, Albion may have been seeking another striker, and in a very surprising link, it was claimed that Wolves’ Sasa Kalajdzic was a late option for the Baggies.

Firstly, this would’ve been a controversial move given the rivalry between the two clubs, and fans of both Albion and Wolves may not have been happy if the Austrian had turned up at The Hawthorns.

But, purely from a football perspective, it’s a move that could’ve benefited all parties, with Kalajdzic not included in the 25-man squad at Molineux following the deadline day capture of Tolu Arokodare.

The obvious risk for West Brom would be Kalajdzic’s injury record.

Sadly, you can’t trust him to stay fit, as the former Stuttgart man has had terrible luck over the years, suffering three cruciate knee ligament injuries, two of which came since his transfer to Wolves.

Sasa Kalajdzic could have provided West Brom with the perfect Aune Heggebo alternative

However, a loan move means this would’ve been a low-risk move financially for Albion, and the upside to Kalajdzic is clear to see.

This is a player who was linked with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund after his performances for Stuttgart, which included 16 Bundesliga goals in the 2021/22 campaign.

Obviously, that was a long time ago, but the £15m signing has shown his quality for Wolves in recent weeks as well.

Kalajdzic helped change the game as Vitor Pereira’s side came from behind to beat West Ham in the League Cup, and the team notably improved after his introduction against Everton.

At 6ft 7in, Kalajdzic’s threat is obvious, but even though he does win flick-ons, he isn’t your stereotypical target man. The 28-year-old is a technically gifted footballer who excels with his back to goal, which is exactly what Mason wants from his number nine.

Heggebo is yet to score for Albion in the league this season, but his contribution has been significant. He is the ideal focal point who occupies defenders, links play and allows his teammates to flourish.

Kalajdzic isn’t as powerful as the Norwegian, but he could’ve done a similar role, even if his fitness issues restricted him to doing that from the bench most of the time.

Ultimately, there are many logical reasons as to why this deal didn’t happen, and you can understand why Albion may have been reluctant to put any of their budget towards a player with Kalajdzic’s injury history.

But, sometimes you need to take risks, and if Kalajdzic did stay fit, this could’ve been a signing that gave Albion an edge as they try to sustain a push for promotion, even if it would’ve been a divisive deal in the Black Country.