Agent confirms West Brom have signed Irish teen Kevin Joshua

Kevin Joshua’s agent has confirmed the young Irish defender has signed for West Brom after a training compensation fee was waived.

On Friday, Eyeconic Sports agent Arfan Rehman announced on Twitter that Joshua, 19, had signed a professional contract with the Baggies after a successful period on trial in the Black Country.

Rehman added that Joshua is an “aggressive” and “quick” defender who is “excellent on the ball”. He also told his followers to “watch this space” in regards to the former Solihull United player.

Rehman added more details about Joshua’s move to West Brom via his personal Linkedin account.

“Another boy who I knew he had the ability,” he said. “[It] wasn’t easy as he had over €160,000 (£137,000) training compensation. However I am delighted, after 18 months of persistent and pushing these clubs, we manage to get it waived.”

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Straight into the Under-23s?

West Brom have seen their Under-23s do as well as the first-team this season with both teams struggling and second from bottom in Premier League 2’s Division 2 and the Premier League respectively.

Deon Burton did a good job when he was first thrown into the management job last season but this term has seen the Under-23s find it tough to get a head of steam.

It hasn’t helped that some of our best young talents like Morgan Rogers and Louie Barry have been plucked away in recent years, leaving the Under-23s devoid of any players who are showing strong signs they could be involved in the senior team in the near future.

We don’t know much about Joshua other than what his agent has said but a big, quick defender who’s good with the ball at his feet is always exciting. Of course, the player’s agent is bound to big up his client.

Still, signing him for free means it’s a risk-free deal. It’s good that Rehman managed to get the compensation fee waivered. According to AllNigeriaSoccer, that’s what stopped Stoke from signing the young defender last September.

In other West Brom news, John Percy has shared a major transfer update on the Baggies.

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