The Baggies campaign group expressed their concern on Twitter (30 November) regarding West Bromwich Albion’s recent loan from MSD Holdings. The club had previously borrowed in December, and the campaigners emphasized that the “clock is ticking” on an impending takeover.

Due to the absence of parachute payments, which had contributed to a small profit in the previous accounts, it is now conceivable that last year’s loan and the £6 million from O’Shea’s departure may have been depleted. This underscores the necessity for additional borrowing.

Action for Albion clarified, “In the last accounts, we made a small profit with £28 million parachute payments. We don’t have that this season, so it’s plausible that the £20 million plus £6 million for O’Shea has now been used. The clock is ticking.”

As feared, the new MSD loan to the West Brom parent company also filters through to the football club and is secured on the Hawthorns. pic.twitter.com/p0aY89cwd0

— Kieran Maguire (@KieranMaguire) November 30, 2023

West Bromwich Albion is currently requiring repeated cash injections to sustain operations throughout the season, and there is no indication that majority shareholder Guochuan Lai will alleviate the financial burden.

However, there is optimism as a takeover seems genuinely serious. According to The Telegraph’s John Percy on 29 November, there is an intention to conclude a deal by the New Year, which would be beneficial for the January transfer window.

Also just to add, with regard to why money is required. In the last accounts we made a small profit. That was with £28m parachute payments. We don’t have that this season, so it’s not inconceivable that the £20m plus £6m for O Shea has now been used. The clock is ticking.

— Action for Albion (@action4albion) November 30, 2023

While accumulating more debt against The Hawthorns and the training ground is not ideal, it is considered a lesser evil compared to dismantling a squad that Carlos Corberan has positioned for promotion. The hope is that, with the current playing staff intact, the club can endure until one of the interested parties takes over, alleviating the financial strain and allowing the on-field operations to continue.

On potential #Wba takeover: there is definitely progress being made and a sense that something is getting closer. Intention is still to have a deal concluded by January (NB: Derby takeover last year was completed in 17 days).

— John Percy (@JPercyTelegraph) November 29, 2023

A return to the top flight and its financial rewards, coupled with secure ownership, could provide West Bromwich Albion with a platform to settle debts while remaining competitive. Although the stakes are high without a sealed takeover, the prospect of a brighter future for West Bromwich Albion may not be far away if a takeover is successfully completed.