West Brom can significantly boost promotion hopes with Marvelous Nakamba as transfer news emerge

West Brom are interested in a sensational swoop for Aston Villa midfielder Marvelos Nakamba, a deal which could significantly bolster their promotion hopes next season.

Nakamba, 29, was granted a January move to Luton Town from Villa Park after the arrival of Unai Emery and proved an instrumental component in the Hatters gaining promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs.

With the Zimbabwean international out of contract at Aston Villa in 2024, it is unlikely he’d form a part of Emery’s plans next season and a summer departure is a very real possibility.

According to The Mirror’s Darren Witcoop, the Baggies are keeping a keen eye on Nakamba’s situation at Villa Park and are ready to swoop in should Luton Town fail to secure his services permanently.

“West Brom keeping an eye on the future of Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba. The Zimbabwe midfielder was wanted by West Brom in January before joining Luton. Luton interested in re-signing Nakamba but Albion also have him on their summer list,” he wrote on Twitter [16 June].

With the Baggies looking to return to the Premier League this time next season, Carlos Corberan will need all the quality he can muster in the transfer market, having received the backing of new club chief Ian Pearce, following the departure of CEO Ron Gourlay.

West Brom are in need of rebuilding in all areas of the pitch, with Corberan’s squad suffering from a real depletion right now. The Baggies can certainly start building the foundations by signing Nakamba, should Luton Town not have the necessary funds to secure the move.

It remains to be seen whether West Brom may be able to tempt the 29-year-old into another season in the Championship but he may well be left with no option should a return to Kenilworth Road fail.

A move to The Hawthorns would make sense for Nakamba. He wouldn’t have to relocate and he’s comfortable in the Championship, but playing under another top-tier footballing coach could prove a brilliant prospect for all parties involved.

According to the Opta-powered stats on FBREF, Nakamba has recorded some of the best defensive statistics of Championship midfielders this season.

The 29-year-old is in the 98th percentile of his counterparts for tackles per game, recording an impressive 4.05 per 90 minutes. The midfielder is also in the top 10% for dribblers tackled (1,71 per 90) and combined tackles and interceptions per outing (5.06 per 90), giving Corberan the added midfield security alongside the likes of Okay Yokuslu and providing a foundation for his attacking stars to thrive.

West Brom’s financial situation could well have an impact. There’s been talk of fresh investment, but it remains extremely unclear just how Albion will navigate the market.

Last summer saw a number of free agents signed and something similar could happen this time round. Whether the Baggies have the funds to sign the Villa man is up for debate.

But should the opportunity to acquire Nakamba’s services become available, West Brom should strongly pursue and give their desperate promotion hopes next season a strong push.