The new Southampton FC factor that could disrupt potential West Brom transfer plan | OneFootball

Southampton's relegation could stifle West Brom's plans to sign Adam Armstrong.

West Bromwich Albion's play-off push has hit a stumbling block in recent weeks with the Baggies struggling to pick up wins.

Since a 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers in early March, Tony Mowbray’s side have managed just two points from the subsequent five games, with three consecutive defeats leaving them three points adrift of sixth-placed Middlesbrough.

In truth, the return of their former promotion-winning manager has had little positive impact on the squad, with Albion securing just four wins from Mowbray’s 14 matches in charge.

Some of the signings made during his tenure have also struggled to make an impact, with prolific Championship goalscorer Adam Armstrong netting only twice in his 11 appearances since his loan move from Southampton.

However, even if Armstrong doesn’t find the back of the net again this season, one could still argue that a permanent move for him in the summer would be a wise investment. This view is echoed by Lee Hendrie, who exclusively told Football League World that securing Armstrong on a permanent deal would be a "great acquisition."

That said, external factors could influence this transfer. With Southampton’s recent relegation to the Championship, their stance on Armstrong’s future this summer could change and for Albion, that would be a devastating blow.

Southampton relegation may hinder West Brom's Adam Armstrong advances

In the second tier, Armstrong is one of the deadliest finishers around, but in the Premier League, the diminutive striker has struggled to adapt his game. Having featured in the first half of this season for Southampton, he found the back of the net just twice in 20 Premier League appearances, and his overall record stands at 6 goals from 88 top-flight games.

It’s no surprise that the Saints were willing to loan him out, but their season didn’t improve after Armstrong's departure. In fact, since he left on transfer deadline day, Ivan Juric's side has picked up just one more win, and Sunday’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur confirmed their relegation to the second tier, alongside the departure of their head coach.

Now, the club must begin planning for next season, and one key decision will be whether they want to retain the former Coventry City striker. His current contract runs until 2027, so Southampton are left with two options: either cash in on him, allowing West Brom to take advantage, or utilise him in the Championship and help him build on the 79 goals he has scored in the second tier.

West Brom will be hoping for the former, but ultimately, the decision rests with the Southampton hierarchy and whoever the new manager at St Mary's will be, with the club already beginning their search for a successor.

Adam Armstrong would come good if signed permanently by West Brom

Having managed Armstrong previously at Blackburn Rovers (pictured above), Mowbray knows how to get the best out of the attacker, who has yet to sparkle at the Hawthorns.

In his last three full Championship campaigns, the Baggies’ number 32 has netted 16, 28, and 21 goals respectively, with the first two of those figures coming while playing for a mid-table Rovers side.

Armstrong is a player who thrives on stability, and Albion could provide that if they can secure a permanent move for him.

From the club's perspective, this could be the transfer that propels them back to the top flight. Fellow striker Josh Maja has enjoyed a successful season, scoring 12 goals in 26 appearances, and his return from injury, combined with the signing of the 28-year-old, could be the catalyst needed to secure promotion.

Of course, this all depends on Southampton’s stance, but if Armstrong becomes available, West Brom must pursue a deal in the summer.