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 have held talks with Okay Yokuslu about a return to The Hawthorns, according to the Express&Star. 

The midfielder was a popular figure during his loan spell with the Baggies in the 2019/20 season and is now a free agent.

The Championship club are understood to have held talks with Yokuslu, which is said to have pushed a move for Leicester City's Hamza Choudhury down their list of priorities.

But is the latter a good signing? And should he be chased in place of Choudhury?

Our FLW writers share their thoughts...

Declan Harte

The midfielder was a firm fan favourite during his brief stint with the Baggies under Sam Allardyce in 2021.

He quickly asserted himself as a consistent presence in the starting lineup upon his arrival in the January transfer window of that year.

The 28-year-old was one of the team’s more impressive players as the side slipped back into the Championship.

There is no reason why he cannot replicate his performances again with the team in the second division.

He would bring a high level of quality with him which could raise the floor of the side. This makes him an attractive proposition for Steve Bruce as he looks to build a competitive squad.

Billy Mulley

I do think Okay Yokuslu would be a strong addition at The Hawthorns ahead of the new campaign, with Steve Bruce seemingly needing to add a more combative midfielder to the ranks.

Intelligent, resilient and technically a good player too, he ticks a lot of boxes of what Bruce has seemingly been wanting to add.

Lowering his wage demands to try and accelerate a move to Albion, this could turn out to be a good deal for all.

There is not much in it all, but I still would take Hamza Choudhury over Yokuslu, if Leicester were to soften their stance regarding the wage split they have proposed.

Choudhury is of Premier League quality and would be a massive addition for any Championship outfit.

Toby Wilding

It looks like this would be a very good signing for West Brom if they can get this over the line.

Yokuslu impressed in a struggling Premier League side the last time he was at The Hawthorns, so you do feel he could thrive now in a side expected to compete for promotion from the Championship.

Indeed, this would clearly be a popular deal among the West Brom fanbase - which feels like just what they need right now - while his availability on a free transfer helps financially as well.

Given Yokuslu also has over 200 more senior appearances to his name than Choudhury, that extra experience could certainly come in handy for Steve Bruce's side, given he knows just what it takes to compete at the top level, meaning this is one you feel West Brom should definitely be trying to get done.