West Brom should join Sheffield United in Wigan Athletic transfer chase | OneFootball

West Brom should be looking at a move for Wigan Athletic’s Sam Tickle to ease their goalkeeping woes.

The January transfer window could prove to be a pivotal time in the context of West Brom’s season.

Axed boss, Ryan Mason, will have been hopeful that the club can bring some further quality into certain areas that require much-needed bolstering, but it may prove to be difficult amidst a challenging financial backdrop, and Mason's successor might not be afforded the chance of a rebuild.

President Andrew Nestor confirmed financial restraints will remain in place during the January transfer window, but did offer some optimism ahead of next summer, with the club able to spend freely without the EFL breathing down their necks.

For the time being though, it could mean that Albion stick with the same squad that they currently have, but they should look to make use of some opportunities that may crop up throughout the opening month of 2026.

If the Baggies were able to bring a few players into the building during the winter window, right-wing should certainly be a position of priority given that the club haven’t been able to replace the loss of Tom Fellows, while right-back should also be a shoo-in given that George Campbell has played the majority of minutes this season in that role, despite being a natural central defender.

And a final area is between the sticks, with Mason chopping and changing between Josh Griffiths and Joe Wildsmith so far this season.

In order to have a reliable and consistent option in goal for the long-term future, Albion may want to consider a move for Wigan Athletic shot-stopper Sam Tickle, who has caught the eye of Arsenal, Manchester United and Sheffield United in recent times.

West Brom’s goalkeeping woes under Ryan Mason

It’s fair to say that a portion of West Brom’s downfall has been brought about because they don’t have a reliable enough option in between the sticks.

Academy graduate and fan favourite Josh Griffiths was given the number one jersey on Mason’s arrival after previously displacing Joe Wildsmith under the short tenure of Tony Mowbray the term prior.

However, the former Bristol Rovers loanee was at fault for multiple goals conceded during the first half of the season, most notably seeing Sonny Carey’s 96th minute strike go through him at Charlton Athletic, while the 24-year-old could only parry Ethan Galbraith’s long-range strike against Swansea City into the top corner of his own net.

Away at QPR on matchday 19, Mason elected to change the goalkeeper and bring Wildsmith back into the fray, but he himself has been far from convincing, and it’s proven to be an unpopular decision among supporters.

The ex-Derby County and League One Golden Glove winner has already been questioned about a fair few of the goals Albion have conceded during his short time back in goal. This included a slow dive to prevent Ousmane Diakite's own goal against QPR, while he failed to dive at all to deny Anis Mehmeti’s long-range effort against Bristol City.

He was also beaten at his near post from Ross McCrorie’s rasping strike against the Robins, leading to large sections of the Albion faithful booing him every time he received the ball, which is a clear indication of their dismay towards Mason for making what has been deemed to be such an unnecessary change.

Mason backed himself into a corner and can’t afford to look silly by changing the goalkeeper yet again, with that then a sign that he has no confidence in either of his options to do a competent job.

Therefore, if that remains the case now Mason has gone, it would make sense for the Black Country outfit to bring a new goalkeeper to the club who can have a fresh chance and an opportunity to shine at The Hawthorns.

West Brom should eye a move for Sam Tickle during the January transfer window

If West Brom are to be an attractive proposition in their current position, then recruiting players from League One may be an option, and they could start with Wigan Athletic’s Sam Tickle, who seems destined to rise up through the English game.

Tickle has entered his third season with the Latics and has played every single minute of League One action, establishing himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in the division and seemingly ready to make the step-up to the Championship.

So far this campaign, Tickle has made 65 saves, holding a save percentage of 70.7%, has kept six clean sheets and even notched an assist, while averaging a match rating of 7.03/10 as per FotMob.

These kind of impressive figures have been why the likes of second-tier rivals Sheffield United have been touted to make a move, while top-flight giants Arsenal and Manchester United’s previous interest is testament to how far Tickle can go in his career.

He definitely needs the chance to impress in the second-tier before having aspirations of playing in the top-flight, and West Brom could be the place to realise his dreams, particularly if the Baggies can survive this campaign and then get back to being competitive next season onwards, once the ownership has properly invested into the playing squad.

A change in goal could also relax the backline, who have looked fragile and disorganised under Mason’s tenure, particularly unusual when having such experienced professionals like Nat Phillips, Chris Mepham and Krystian Bielik.

Some of that stems from the lack of confidence in the goalkeeper, and it’s clear to see how little faith there is when either Wildsmith or Griffiths occupy the posts.

Therefore, a new face should be made soon in the goalkeeping spot, with the club needing a safe pair of hands to have any chance of success either this season or beyond.