West Bromwich Albion were forced to act shrewdly in the summer window, with ex-manager Steve Bruce suffering from years of financial mismanagement by the club.

The £4.9m loan that owner Lai Guochuan took from the club in June was indicative of this and left the 61-year-old hamstrung entering the transfer market.

However, he still managed to operate with intelligence, utilising the free agent market to add some vast experience to the squad.

There was proven Championship talent welcomed, as well as some star power in Tom Rogic.

Arguably the crowning jewel was welcoming back fan favourite Okay Yokuslu, who had enjoyed a fine loan spell back in 2021 and would return to a great reception.

The 6 foot 3 midfielder had been an impressive player in an underwhelming squad, where he earned a 6.99 average rating despite their relegation.

He would take little time to recapture that form in the Championship, where he has boosted that to 7.04 alongside his 82% pass accuracy and 1.8 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 1.3 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

The Turkish international also puts his hulking frame to good use, as he ranks in the top 1% for aerials won per 90 too.

It, therefore, serves to support the claims of The Athletic journalist Steve Madeley, who dubbed him: “Strong in tackles, interceptions and aerial duels.”

He has quickly established himself as a mainstay in the engine room for Carlos Corberan, who has masterminded a turnaround following Bruce’s dismissal.

What makes his return even sweeter is that having cost nothing, his value has remained at a lofty £2.6m, and at 28 years old he retains a sell-on value should they require it.

There had been little to boast about before the Spaniard’s arrival at the club, however, the romantic return of Yokuslu was a shining light.

Upon signing permanently, he would claim: “I love the club, the people at the club. It feels like home, always, so I came home.”

It will now be a welcome sight to those that inhabit the Hawthorns to see him shining in midfield, as he only strengthens his bond with the fans.