Bruce can finally replace Dawson as WBA eye move for "special" £2.7m-rated "mountain" - opinion

West Bromwich Albion have seen numerous players leaving the Midlands club in the past who have gone on to be successful elsewhere.

One player who fits this particular bill is defender Craig Dawson.

After racking up 225 appearances for the Baggies across all competitions between 2010 and 2019, the centre-back spent some time with Watford before joining West Ham United on a permanent basis last summer following a successful loan spell.

In 74 appearances so far for the east London club, the 32-year-old has scored eight goals, provided two assists and helped the Hammers get to the semi-finals of this season’s Europa League.

To further highlight how impressive the former Baggies defender has been for West Ham, he ended the 2021/22 Premier League season with more blocks (30) and clearances (145) than any other player in David Moyes’ squad.

Now that Steve Bruce is in charge at The Hawthorns and has spoken about potential overhaul taking place at the club during the upcoming transfer window, he now has the chance to bring what could finally be a suitable replacement for Dawson to the club.

Earlier this month, the Baggies were linked with a move for Blackburn defender Darragh Lenihan once his current contract at Ewood Park runs out at the end of next month.

Taking into account how the Irishman posted the second-highest number of blocks (0.8) and clearances per game (4.1) for Blackburn in the Championship this season, and the third-highest number of tackles and second-most interceptions made, he certainly has the defensive chops to be a solid addition to the West Brom ranks.

These defensive talents could make him a dream replacement for Dawson, who has shown this season how inspiration a presence he can be from centre-back.

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