This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
West Bromwich Albion are the latest side to join the race to sign Brighton and Hove Albion striker Deniz Undav.
As we exclusively revealed on FLW yesterday, the Baggies are one of five Championship clubs interested in signing the 26-year-old.
Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers, Norwich City and Millwall are the other interested parties, with Undav having been starved of football at the AMEX Stadium so far this season.
Indeed, after making a summer return to the Seagulls following a wildly successful loan spell in Belgium, the German has been forced to play a bit part role this campaign with just eight Premier League appearances, all from the bench, to his name.
Only two of those appearances have been longer for 11 minutes.
With Undav clearly needing game time then, we asked three of our FLW writers for their thoughts on his potential move to the Hawthorns.
Josh Cole
When you consider that West Brom are already able to turn to Daryl Dike and Brandon Thomas-Asante for inspiration, they may not necessarily bolster their attacking options this month.
While Undav did set the Jupiler Pro League alight by scoring 25 goals at this level, he has yet to replicate this form in a Brighton shirt as he has only managed to find the back of the net on two occasions in all competitions.
Having yet to play a game in the Championship during his career, it may take the 26-year-old some time to adapt to the competitiveness that this division is known for.
Keeping this in mind, West Brom may find it more beneficial to sign a player who has a proven track-record of delivering the goods in the second-tier instead of taking an unnecessary gamble on Undav.
Ned Holmes
There’s certainly an argument to be made for adding another number nine.
That was highlighted in midweek as Karlan Grant, who Carlos Corberan doesn’t seem to rate up top, was forced to play their in the absence of Daryl Dike and Brandon Thomas-Asante.
Dike has struggled with injury issues during his time with the Baggies so some more cover could be smart.
Dennis Undav’s goal record in Belgium was outstanding while he has the physical tools to thrive in Corberan’s system.
Given he’s not a youth prospect, Brighton are unlikely to mind too much if he’s not a regular starter.
This one would make sense.
Simmey Hannifin-Donaldson
After a cracking loan spell in Belgium last season, Denis Undav has not been given a fair crack of the whip at Brighton this season.
Indeed, the Belgian league isn't a bad level at all, and for the forward to have netted 25 goals, as well as register 10 assists on loan there last season is mightily impressive.
With chances at Brighton limited, it makes complete sense he'd be looking for a loan destination and West Brom could be an excellent landing spot.
They have options already up front, but each of them have problems.
Can Dike really be relied upon, for example? Karlan Grant is in poor form, and Brandon Thomas-Asante is just stepping up to this level.
Considering the above, then, I do think bringing in Undav would be a positive addition.