Carlos Corberan has Mo Faal January decision to make at West Brom
Carlos Corberan has a difficult decision to make over Mo Faal’s loan deal in January as the young West Brom striker continues to develop with Doncaster Rovers.
The 20-year-old has excelled since joining the League Two side, scoring on nine occasions in all competitions for Grant McCann’s men as they steer away from the relegation zone.
Having revealed that he and the club are keeping tabs on Faal’s progression, Corberan will need to decide whether or not his loan spell is ended early ahead of a review during the January transfer window.
“That’s why we decided to let him have his loan,” Corberan said to Express & Star (18 November). “This process for me has been excellent, to help him mature, to play in front of fans – it’s so different to the under 21s.
“He has had a loan before that was at a lower level. Now he’s at a level which is one that we consider is the least he deserves. He is scoring goals, he’s doing the job well and it’s good to know that our players are playing well and achieving targets of their loan.”
The Spaniard’s comments would suggest that he is pleased with the prospect’s development and could potentially earn a spot in the squad come January, or the next campaign if he sees out the full season with Doncaster.
However, League Two to the Championship is a huge step up for any player, let alone a 20-year-old striker with limited league experience. However, it could, and maybe should, be time for Corberan to take that chance with Faal.
The youngster shone at youth level for West Brom and has managed two senior appearances since becoming an academy graduate. This has been mixed with loan spells at Hereford, Telford, and AFC Fylde.
The Doncaster relationship could also serve as a threat to Faal’s future with the Baggies, with young players always eager for game time at any cost.
Tipped by the Rovers manager, Grant McCann, to become “unplayable” (Shropshire Star, 20 October) in the coming seasons, Faal may want the opportunity to impress Corberban and his coaching staff at closer quarters.
Faal is clearly talented enough and deserves a shot with the Baggies.
If he is not given that chance, to learn from Daryl Dike – once back from injury – Brandon Thomas-Asante, Jed Wallace, and Matt Phillips, to name just a few, it could be a possibility that fellow teams in the division come in for Faal’s signature.
January will be a massive month for Doncaster and Faal. While he is in fine form for the League Two side, his parent team may choose to recall him from the loan deal and aid his development with first-team experience.
Only time will tell in this case.
In other West Brom news, a journalist has named one player who may be forced out in January.