Sky Sports reports that West Brom have been mandated by the English Football League (EFL) to follow a commercial plan that will restrict their transfer activity in this summer’s window, due to concerns they might breach the league’s financial regulations.
Last season, West Brom reached the Championship play-off semi-finals, losing over two legs to Southampton, but their hopes of strengthening the squad to make another push for promotion are now under threat.
Sky Sports has been told there is no issue with West Brom’s financial health and no danger of them being unable to pay their bills. Instead, the threat centers on whether the club can remain within the league’s financial guidelines. The financial issues relate to the club’s previous owner, while the new owner is determined to strengthen the squad where possible, although this may come with further expenditure.
The Birkoil Football WBA company, owned by Florida businessman Shiren Patel and his father Kieran Patel, purchased 87.8% of West Brom’s shares in February. They are working directly with the EFL to address these issues to ensure compliance with the rules.
In fact, it is understood that West Brom officials have been working closely with the EFL for the past 18 months, dealing with all player salary and transaction issues, in an attempt to ensure they comply with the rules.
Under these league rules, any club at risk of breaching Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) is given strict new guidelines, and any new transfers need prior approval from EFL officials.
The only fee West Brom have paid for a player so far is £500,000 for center-back Thorbjorn Helgeim brought in from Sweden. Dwayne Cole, aged 29, joined the Hawthorns on a free transfer from Barnsley. Goalkeeper Joe Goldsmith and midfielder Ousmane Diakite also joined for free, and experienced defender Paddy McNair arrived on loan from San Diego.
Nine players left the Hawthorns this summer as the club sought to reduce its overall wage bill.
West Brom’s pre-season form has been poor, losing to Bolton, Blackpool, and Mallorca. Their only win this summer was against Peterborough. Their final pre-season game is against Birmingham City.