Following comments I have seen about Clayton Donaldson on social media since Birmingham City’s crushing defeat at the hands of Barnsley on Saturday afternoon, it got me thinking about what Premier League strikers would make the difference at St.Andrew’s.
Blues currently have Donaldson, on loan Burnley striker Lukas Jutkiewicz, teenager Jack Storer and summer signing Che Adams at their disposal in the final third but something seems to be missing.
Granted, Adams hasn’t been given a chance up front on his own yet, Donaldson is asked to run the flanks, which may I add he does very well, Jutkiewicz is our new target man and Storer doesn’t really get a look in any more. With all that being said, it is very clear that Blues need another striker to add that finishing touch in front of goal.
On Saturday, Donaldson missed a sitter in the first half which would have surely changed the game had he scored and if Blues want to be in and around the play-offs at the end of the season, we need someone with his work rate but a better finishing touch.
Down below are three forwards from the Premier League who I think can be the difference between Blues staying in and around the top six of the Championship.
1. DOMINIC SOLANKE – CHESLEA.
The 19-year-old striker, who can also play as a central attacking midfielder, made his debut for Chelsea in the Champions League in 2014 before being loaned out for the entire 2015/16 season.
Last year, Solanke joined Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem and in the 26 games he played for Chelsea’s feeder club, he scored seven goals which for an 18-year-old seems to be a very good return.
However, this season, Solanke is yet to feature for Antonio Conte’s team and with chances in the first team set to be very limited once again, maybe the young Englishman might be looking to follow in the same footsteps of fellow teammate Tammy Abraham who is currently on loan at Bristol City.
Although he is a bit of an unknown quantity, Solanke could be somebody that quite a few Championship clubs are looking at but is he what Blues could do with?
2. PATRICK BAMFORD – CHELSEA (ON LOAN AT BURNLEY).
You’re probably thinking to yourself, why are you only looking at Chelsea players? I can assure you I’m not but these two players are both forwards that I believe could make a difference to our team.
It is well known that Bamford is a striker who can thrive in the Championship, as shown whilst on loan at Middlesbrough, but this season he has struggled for games, and goals since he joined Burnley.
The 23-year-old has only made four appearances for the Clarets and it could be that Chelsea want to loan him out to a different club in order for him to get more game time and he could potentially get that at Blues.
Blues boss Rowett knows all about getting the best out of young players and should Conte see what Rowett is doing in B9 then he could potentially allow him to join the club.
3. OUMAR NIASSE – EVERTON.
This suggestion is an outrageous one and one that is sure to be met with confusion and disbelief but it is one that I thought could happen out of the blue.
At 26, Niasse is just about to hit his prime as a striker and with very few chances coming his way at Everton with Romelu Lukaku hitting fine form once again this season, perhaps he could be looking for a loan move away from the Toffees.
Whether he would move down to the Championship I am not so sure, but what’s to stop us trying to make a move for him? Nothing in my eyes.
Yes, he is likely to be on stupid wages but Blues are very good negotiators so you can never say never! If he were to move in January, it is likely that he would leave Goodison on a short term loan deal.
Blues fans, out of the three strikers that have been suggested, which one would you like to see the club make a move for? Let us know in the comment section down below!
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