One and Done? Why West Brom's Star Striker Is Already Heading for a Shock Hawthorns Exit!

Baggies Bombshell: Cole's Brief Stint Nears Stunning Conclusion

In a move that is set to stun many supporters at The Hawthorns, striker Devante Cole is reportedly on the brink of a departure from West Bromwich Albion just a single, whirlwind year after his arrival.

The 30-year-old forward, who was snapped up on a free transfer from Barnsley last summer, appears to have his bags packed, with his spell in the West Midlands looking increasingly like a short-term affair. The revelation, breaking from respected EFL journalist Darren Witcoop, suggests that the club and player are preparing to part ways, marking a surprisingly swift end to what many hoped would be a fruitful partnership.

A Tale of Unfulfilled Promise

Cole arrived at West Brom with a formidable reputation. Fresh off a prolific season with Barnsley in League One, where he consistently found the back of the net, his signing was hailed as a shrewd piece of business by manager Carlos Corberán. The hope was that Cole could replicate his goal-scoring prowess in the Championship and provide the cutting edge the Baggies needed in their promotion push.

However, the dream move has seemingly failed to ignite. Despite the high expectations, Cole struggled to secure a regular starting position, finding his opportunities limited throughout the 2023-24 campaign. The transition to the Championship with Albion proved challenging, and the striker was unable to make the desired impact, leaving both the player and the club at a crossroads this summer.

What's Next for Cole and Albion?

The big question now is, what went wrong? Was it a failure to adapt to Corberán's tactical system, or was the competition for places simply too fierce? Whatever the reason, his impending exit signals a clear statement of intent from West Brom's hierarchy as they look to reshape their attacking options ahead of the new season. Freeing up a space in the squad and on the wage bill will allow the club to pursue new targets who they believe can fire them to the Premier League.

For Devante Cole, this early departure represents a pivotal moment in his career. At 30, he will be desperate to find a new home where he can rediscover his form and become the main man once more. A return to a top-end League One club, where he has consistently proven his credentials, seems a likely destination. Several clubs will undoubtedly be on high alert, ready to gamble on a player who, on his day, is one of the most lethal finishers outside the top flight.

As the summer transfer window swings into gear, this development is a stark reminder of the brutal realities of professional football. While his time at The Hawthorns may be remembered as a case of 'what might have been,' the next chapter for both Devante Cole and West Bromwich Albion is set to be a fascinating one.