STVV's Yohan Boli celebrates after scoring during a soccer match between Sint-Truiden VV and Club Brugge KV, Saturday 07 December 2019 in Sint-Truiden, on day 18 of the 'Jupiler Pro League' Belgian soccer championship season 2019-2020. BELGA PHOTO JOHAN EYCKENS (Photo by JOHAN EYCKENS/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
Back in January earlier this year, a report from the Birmingham Live had mentioned West Brom among the potential suitors for Ivorian international striker Yohan Boli, who was plying his trade with Sint-Truiden in Belgium. But the centre-forward eventually completed a move to the Middle East with Qatari outfit Al Rayyan SC.
The 27-year-old started his career with Avion and Sedan in the lower divisions in France before moving to Belgium with second-tier outfit Roeselare. Having impressed for Vervietois in the third-tier during the 2014-15 season, Boli was offered a route to the top-flight by Sint-Truiden in the summer of 2015.
Boli grabbed his opportunities with both hands and went on to establish himself as a prolific goalscorer at Sint-Truiden, accumulating 43 goals in 128 appearances. With his contract in Belgium coming to an end, the Ivorian was sold to Al Rayyan in January 2020. Boli has impressed in the Middle East, scoring 8 times in 17 appearances.
Meanwhile, West Brom currently find themselves in a relegation dogfight at the bottom of the table following a dismal start to the campaign. The Baggies have accumulated just 7 points from 14 games so far.
Sam Allardyce recently replaced Slaven Bilic at the helm but a few impact signings in January could well hold the key to the Baggies’ survival hopes in the top-flight.
Allardyce has pinpointed the need for some defensive reinforcements next months, with Crystal Palace star James Tomkins emerging as a target. That certainly makes sense given that West Brom have leaked 29 goals in the PL so far.
However, with just 10 goals scored in the process, it goes without saying that the Baggies can certainly do with some additional firepower up top.
West Brom spent a fortune to rope in Karlan Grant from Huddersfield Town before the domestic deadline. However, the young centre-forward has failed to live up to the expectations, with just a solitary goal in 10 league games so far.
With Charlie Austin and Hal Robson-Kanu pretty much peripheral figures in the set-up, the Baggies might as well seek some fresh signings in that department.
Hence, West Brom should consider reigniting their interest in Yohan Boli in January. The Ivorian star has continued to impress in the Middle East after joining Al Rayyan. While that’s nowhere near the level of football in the Premier League, his exploits in Belgium should convince the Baggies that he’s more than worth a punt.
Yohan Boli won’t necessarily be the most high-profile option for West Brom. But given the club’s current position and the financial situation, the 27-year-old ticks plenty of boxes to come through as a useful addition at the Hawthorns.