Why Scott Hogan would be a smart addition for West Brom

According to a report from the Birmingham Mail, West Brom are interested in Aston Villa outcast, Scott Hogan.

Signed by Aston Villa two summers ago from Brentford, the Republic of Ireland international’s career has somewhat stalled. He scored just twice in 16 appearances last season with both goals coming while out on loan at Bramall Lane, helping Sheffield United achieve promotion.

The striker, though, was one of Championship’s hottest properties before his Villa Park transfer and bagged 21 goals in 27 league starts for Brentford. With Aston Villa spending massively to bolster their squad following promotion to the top-flight, Scott Hogan has fallen further down the pecking order.

With that in mind, West Brom boss Slaven Bilic should take a punt on Hogan and look to help the striker get back his lost mojo.

Having already secured the services of five new players for the 2019/20 Championship campaign, the Baggies will aim to achieve promotion this time around.

A couple of last season’s key players have left the club in Jay Rodriguez and Craig Dawson, joining Premier League outfits Burnley and Watford respectively.

Dwight Gayle returned to Newcastle after the end of his brilliant loan spell at The Hawthorns, and Salomon Rondon – who shone on loan at Newcastle last campaign – was sold to Chinese club Dalian Yifang. Despite signing Kenneth Zohore from Cardiff City, Bilic could do well with another striker in his ranks to boost his promotion hopes.

In that regard, Scott Hogan could be a good fit at the Hawthorns. Hogan has struggled to make an impact since arriving at Aston Villa, but one simply cannot forget the fact that he was a potent goalscorer at Brentford just a few years ago.

The three-cap Republic of Ireland international is a proven striker at Championship level and his arrival would be a welcome boost to West Brom who need firepower.

If the Baggies succeed in signing Hogan, he could link up well with Romaine Sawyers, as the midfielder’s passing range would enable the 27-year-old striker to get plenty of opportunity in and around the box this season.

In fact, he could be the perfect player to partner Zohore up top.

Verdict

West Brom have done some really good deals this summer and if they can round it all off by adding Hogan then they will be prime candidates for promotion.