West Brom backed to sign 'popular' Sunderland star | OneFootball

FLW’s West Brom fan pundit has commented on Albion being linked with a move for Sunderland defender Luke O’Nien.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Pressure is mounting on West Brom boss Ryan Mason to turn Albion’s fortunes around.

The Baggies are currently languishing 18th in the Championship table and are just seven points away from the relegation zone, a far cry from their usual expectation of competing for promotion out of the Championship.

Mason, in his first full-time managerial role, has faced fierce criticism from the Baggies faithful for his short time in charge so far, where he has overseen the Black Country outfit suffer nine straight defeats away from home, matching a club record set back all the way in 1973.

West Brom’s struggles on the pitch are amidst the backdrop of financial uncertainty ever since American businessman Shilen Patel took over, with the club having to sanction player sales to vital first-team assets in order to avoid the club being placed into administration and facing points deductions.

Shortly before Christmas, President Andrew Nestor reiterated the financial issues and seemingly called for Mason to be given time to turn results around, although it’s unsure how far that confidence will go given the increase in toxicity levels around the stands at The Hawthorns in recent weeks.

A way to potentially alleviate the discontent is by having a successful January transfer window, with some quality additions having the potential to transform their campaign under the ex-Tottenham Hotspur coach.

And a week into the window, Albion have been linked with bolstering their defensive line, with the Baggies set to rival West Midlands counterparts Birmingham City and Coventry City for Sunderland defender Luke O’Nien, as per a report by the Chronicle.

Any deal is likely to be on loan, with O’Nien suffering a lack of game-time on Wearside under Regis Le Bris following their promotion to the Premier League.

With this in mind, FLW’s West Brom fan pundit has discussed whether O’Nien is the right type of player the club should be looking to bring in during the winter window.

Luke O’Nien addition not viewed as a West Brom priority

Speaking to Football League World, West Brom fan pundit Callum Burgess believes Luke O’Nien would add much-needed leadership qualities to the Albion squad, but the club should not be prioritising signing another central defender when they are so well-stocked in that area already.

Callum said: “I think there would be several positives to having Luke O’Nien at the club.

“He’d certainly be a popular figure in the dressing room, which has made him so beloved at Sunderland, but from my point of view, defenders would be on the lower stages of the shortlist in January.

“With O’Nien, in particular, he’s able to play in a variety of positions, but centre-back is his most natural these days, and I think Albion, if they are to get reinforcements in defence, they should be looking towards signing a natural right-back and certainly other areas of the pitch that need strengthening before targeting another centre-back.

“Again, if we are going to make several additions in January, O’Nien would provide a boost in the dressing room, and he’s definitely done more than OK for Sunderland in the Championship and previously League One.

“I can see where they’re coming from by potentially looking at bringing him on a short-term basis or for next season as well.”

While Luke O’Nien was one of the top performing Championship defenders with Sunderland last season and was fundamental to their promotion back to the Premier League, adding another figure in central defence is not what West Brom need right now, particularly when they already have a plethora of options in that department with vast Championship experience.

Nat Phillips, Chris Mepham and Krystian Bielik are all preferred central defenders, while Charlie Taylor has also slipped into that role on occasion under Ryan Mason.

If the Baggies are to add reinforcements in defence, it has to be at right-back, as Alfie Gilchrist’s lack of impact has meant that George Campbell has earned the majority of minutes in that role under Mason, but the American is viewed more as a central defender himself.

While O’Nien filled in across the Sunderland backline last season, you would feel he would prefer to play in the centre of defence too, so Albion would be overloading that position and risk leaving some players unhappy through a lack of game-time.

Instead, the Baggies have to work on addressing what is a lopsided squad, so attacking signings should be at the forefront of the club’s mind, particularly when they haven’t properly replaced the departure of academy graduate Tom Fellows and need an extra attacking midfielder following the long-term injury to Tammer Bany.

So while O’Nien would add versatility and leadership to a rather rudderless Albion team, it seems they are shopping in the wrong market, and should turn their attention to other targets that can make an impact further up the field.