After being relegated from the Premier League in 2020/21, this season was all about immediately returning to the top flight for West Bromwich Albion.

Things, though, did not transpire that way.

A mid-season managerial change, inconsistent form, a big money signing getting injured and a 10th place finish in the Championship are what 2021/22 will be remembered for - not an automatic promotion or anything close to it.

Having said that, there is reason to be optimistic going forwards if you are a West Brom fan.

Steve Bruce’s torrid time early on at the Hawthorns was overcame, and the 61-year-old really appeared to steady the West Brom ship as the season drew to a close.

It is an important transfer window and summer for the club, though, as they look to further strengthen their squad and assemble a side capable of challenging for a return to the top-flight.

With that being said, here are seven steps to West Brom having the ‘perfect’ summer transfer window.

The first step to West Brom having the perfect transfer window would be to sign an established first-choice goalkeeper, given that their current shot-stopper Sam Johnstone will leave on a free transfer this summer.

The Baggies recently confirmed that goalkeeper's David Button and Alex Palmer had agreed new deals at the Hawthorns, but, it could be argued that neither of these options are inspiring choices for a side that wants to be challenging for promotion.

Button is undoubtedly a safe pair of hands, but hasn't been a regular number one goalkeeper for five years, and Alex Palmer has only ever been a regular at League Two level.

Having these two battling it out for the number one shirt could leave West Brom short of quality in-between the sticks and if looking for the 'perfect' transfer window, West Brom should bring in a goalkeeper that will be the clear number one at The Hawthorns.

The second step in West Brom having the perfect window this summer would be bringing Matt Clarke back to the club, whether it be on loan or permanently.

Clarke was brilliant for the Baggies on a season-long loan from Brighton and Hove Albion this season, and was the best performer in their defence at times.

Given that he is unlikely to go back to Brighton and suddenly be deemed good enough aged 25, Steve Bruce should be doing everything he can to lure the centre-half back to West Bromwich - even if he would add to what is a congested department of the pitch.

Clarke made 33 league appearances for the Baggies in 2021/22.

Another area that the Baggies could perhaps look to strengthen in an ideal or 'perfect' scenario would be their left-back options.

When Steve Bruce came into the club he tried to convert Ismael's 3-4-3 into a back four, but quickly ditched this plan when things were clearly not working. However, given he now has a full pre-season to drill his players, you would not be surprised to see West Brom revert to a back four.

In that case, you have to question whether the players that have been playing as attacking wing-back's fit in as full-back's.

Conor Townsend will, but Adam Reach, more of a left-midfielder, may not suit the bill and thus, a left-back may be needed - whether they are a back up or someone that can challenge for a starting spot.

Things start to get more specific now with regards to the additions and another player West Brom could look to bring in this summer is Conor Hourihane.

The Athletic reported recently that the Baggies will focus on free agents and Premier League loan signings this summer and Hourihane fits that bill nicely.

Having spent time at Aston Villa, Swansea and Sheffield United in the EFL, Hourihane is more than accustomed to a promotion push in the second-tier and showed at Bramall Lane this season that he still has plenty to offer at 31-years-old.

FLW exclusively revealed last month that West Brom were eyeing Hourihane ahead of the summer and the Irishman could be a good short term signing for Steve Bruce's side.

Another player that fits the free agent/Premier League loan signing profile the Baggies are supposedly after this summer is John Swift.

Swift has been heavily linked with the Baggies in recent months, with his contract at Reading due to expire now that the season has come to an end.

Having scored 11 goals and registered 13 assists in 38 Championship appearances in 20211/22, Swift is likely to be one of the most coveted EFL free agents out there this summer and so West Brom would do well to get this one over the line.

Swift would certainly add goals and creativity going forwards.

Another player that would add goals and creativity in the attacking areas of the pitch is current Millwall winger Jed Wallace.

Wallace's contract is due to expire at The Den shortly, and there has been plenty of interest in securing his signature - including from WBA.

Like Swift, Wallace is one of the more in-demand free agents out there this summer, but he has been linked with a move to West Brom in recent weeks.

Having scored six goals and registered 11 assists in 37 Championship appearances this campaign, his contributions would certainly be welcomed at The Hawthorns next season.

Last but not least, the final step to West Brom having the perfect summer transfer window is to keep hold of big money January signing Daryl Dike.

Dike has barely featured since joining the club due to injury, and with the manager that signed him shortly departing the club after his arrival, rumours have swirled in recent months - the main of which links Dike to Besiktas where Ismael is currently the new boss.

Although these were just rumours, it is worth re-iterating that West Brom would be foolish to allow Dike to leave this summer.

They spent big money on the striker for a reason and with health and a run of games, the 21-year-old really has the potential to tear it up in the Championship.

It has previously been reported that Bruce and Dike have a good relationship, so let's hope that is a sign that Dike is going nowhere this summer.