West Bromwich Albion could secure Morrison’s own version of Harvey Barnes by beating rivals to £7.7m-rated winger

West Bromwich Albion have officially announced the appointment of James Morrison as their permanent head coach following his spell in interim charge, and the decision marks a significant moment in the club’s recent history. The former midfielder has overseen an impressive turnaround in results, guiding the Baggies on a ten-match unbeaten run that has lifted them well clear of relegation danger in the EFL Championship heading into the final day of the season.

Despite the strong run of form, the decision to hand Morrison the role on a permanent basis carries an element of risk. West Brom’s previous two appointments, Ryan Mason and Eric Ramsay, were both relatively inexperienced and ultimately did not succeed, with each being dismissed during the current campaign. That recent history raises questions about whether Morrison can avoid a similar fate and build something more sustainable over the long term.

The Scottish coach enters the role without prior experience as a first-team manager, meaning the coming months will be crucial in determining whether his early success is a sign of genuine progress or simply a short-lived surge in form. The club’s hierarchy will be hoping that the latter is not the case and that Morrison can translate his promising start into a consistent upward trajectory.

A crucial first transfer window for Morrison

This summer will represent Morrison’s first opportunity to shape the squad in his own image, and the upcoming transfer window could define the direction of his tenure. While the team has improved defensively and shown resilience, there are still clear weaknesses that must be addressed if West Brom are to mount a serious challenge for promotion next season.

One of the most pressing issues lies in the wide areas of the pitch. The current squad lacks natural wingers, forcing players who are more comfortable in central roles to operate out wide. Individuals such as Isaac Price and Jayson Molumby have often been deployed in these positions, but neither is a natural fit for the role on a consistent basis.

Morrison will need to prioritize the recruitment of genuine wide attackers who can stretch defenses, provide creativity, and contribute goals. Without such reinforcements, the team’s attacking play risks remaining predictable and limited.

Attacking struggles underline need for reinforcements

Although there have been some bright spots, West Brom’s attacking output over the course of the season has been underwhelming. Mikey Johnston has been one of the more productive players, registering two goals and nine assists in 34 Championship appearances. However, he is set to return from injury next season, and relying solely on him would not be sufficient for a team with promotion ambitions.

The broader statistics highlight the problem clearly. West Brom rank among the lowest-scoring teams in the division, sitting fifth in the table for the fewest goals scored. Only a handful of clubs—including Sheffield Wednesday, Blackburn Rovers, Charlton Athletic, and Oxford United—have found the net less frequently.

With just 47 goals scored heading into the final game of the season, it is evident that attacking inefficiency has been a major limitation. If Morrison is to transform West Brom into genuine promotion contenders, increasing goal output must be a top priority.

A potential solution emerges in Parfait Guiagon

Encouragingly for the Baggies, reports have already linked them with a player who could address these shortcomings. Parfait Guiagon, currently playing for Charleroi, has emerged as a key target ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to recent reports, West Brom are among several clubs interested in securing his signature, with Coventry City, Ipswich Town, and Middlesbrough also said to be in the race. The Belgian side reportedly value the winger at approximately £7.7 million, a fee that would require a significant financial commitment from West Brom.

Whether the club can compete with rival bidders remains to be seen, but the level of interest in Guiagon suggests that he is regarded as a player with considerable potential and immediate impact.

Why Guiagon could mirror Harvey Barnes’ impact

The comparison between Guiagon and Harvey Barnes is particularly intriguing. During his loan spell at West Brom in the 2018/19 season, Barnes made a substantial contribution, scoring nine goals and providing eight assists in just 28 appearances. Operating as a right-footed left winger, he offered both goal threat and creative output, making him a key figure in the team’s attack.

Guiagon appears to possess a similar profile. Capable of playing both as a left winger and in a central attacking role, he combines goal-scoring ability with creativity. Since the start of last season in the Belgian Pro League, he has recorded 15 goals and 12 assists, demonstrating a balanced contribution in the final third.

His underlying statistics further reinforce his effectiveness. Over the past two campaigns, he has consistently generated expected goals (xG) and expected assists (xA) figures that align with his output, suggesting that his performances are supported by sustainable underlying metrics rather than isolated bursts of form.

Addressing a key imbalance in the squad

One of the main issues within the current West Brom squad is the lack of players who can both score and create goals from wide positions. While Johnston has shown an ability to provide assists, he has not consistently delivered goals, leaving the team without a dual-threat winger.

Guiagon could potentially fill that gap. His ability to contribute in both areas would add a new dimension to West Brom’s attack, making them less predictable and more difficult to defend against. This versatility is particularly valuable in the Championship, where teams often rely on adaptable players to navigate a demanding schedule.

Moreover, the absence of a player with Barnes’ profile has been noticeable in recent seasons. Bringing in someone with comparable attributes could help restore a balance that has been missing from the squad.

The importance of smart investment

While the potential benefits of signing Guiagon are clear, the financial aspect cannot be ignored. Spending close to £8 million would represent a significant outlay, particularly for a club operating outside the Premier League. West Brom must ensure that any investment aligns with their broader strategy and does not compromise their financial stability.

At the same time, failing to invest adequately could leave the team short of the quality required to compete for promotion. Striking the right balance between ambition and prudence will be essential as Morrison navigates his first transfer window.

Building on defensive strength

One positive aspect of West Brom’s recent form has been their defensive solidity. The team has recorded five consecutive clean sheets in the league, highlighting a strong foundation that Morrison can build upon.

If the Baggies can maintain this defensive resilience while improving their attacking output, they could become one of the most well-rounded teams in the Championship. A player like Guiagon, who can influence games through both goals and assists, could play a crucial role in achieving that balance.

A defining moment for Morrison’s project

Ultimately, the pursuit of Guiagon represents more than just a potential signing; it reflects the broader direction of Morrison’s project at West Brom. Bringing in a player capable of making a tangible impact in the final third would signal the club’s intent to compete at the top end of the table.

For Morrison, this summer will be an opportunity to demonstrate his ability to identify and recruit players who fit his vision. Success in the transfer market could lay the groundwork for a sustained push towards promotion, while missteps could hinder progress.

If West Brom can secure Guiagon’s signature and integrate him effectively into the team, he could emerge as a transformative figure—much like Harvey Barnes was during his time at the club. Such an addition might be exactly what the Baggies need to turn their defensive strength into a platform for success.

Promotion ambitions hinge on attacking improvement

Looking ahead, West Brom’s prospects for next season will depend largely on their ability to address their attacking deficiencies. The foundation is already in place, with a solid defensive unit and a manager who has inspired confidence during his interim spell.

However, without a significant improvement in goal-scoring, their ambitions may remain out of reach. Players like Guiagon offer a potential solution, providing the kind of quality and versatility that can make the difference in tight matches.

Should the Baggies manage to enhance their attacking options while preserving their defensive discipline, they will become a formidable opponent for any team in the Championship. In that scenario, Morrison’s first full season in charge could mark the beginning of a successful new chapter for the club.