Reyes Cleary to be promoted to West Brom first-team after pre-season stunner
Carlos Corberan has only promoted a handful of youngsters to the West Brom first team, but he could be about to add one more next season.
The Baggies’ latest pre-season fixture saw them take on Peterborough United at St George’s Park, bringing home a 2-1 victory with a Brandon Thomas-Asante opener and an own goal.
While Corberan will be pleased with the win against the Posh, his primary focus will be building up match sharpness, avoiding injuries, and integrating youth players into the squad.
Reyes Cleary is a name well-known to those at The Hawthorns, having been given his senior debut in January 2022 during an FA Cup fixture against Brighton.
However, he has made just five more first-team appearances since then, unable to make a proper breakthrough, but Corberan will be hoping he can prove himself at the top level next season.
Reyes Cleary to be given West Brom first-team chances next season
Under-21s boss Richard Beale has described the forward as having “so much quality” and ” someone that can affect the first team” [Birmingham Mail], and he has already proven that in pre-season.
The 20-year-old clipped in the cross for Thomas-Asante’s opener against Peterborough, but it was his build-up play that impressed fans the most as West Brom released footage via X on Saturday 20 July.
Reyes’ incredible skill, to first nutmeg the opponent, before using his strength to hold off the defender should have shown Corberan everything he needed to see ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Given that he was offered a new contract by the club [West Brom, 22 May], the manager clearly already knows what he is capable of on the football pitch. He just needs to show it.
The youngster has struggled during his time with the Baggies, mainly due to injuries, but all parties at The Hawthorns will be hoping he can put all of that behind him and play a much more important role in the first team next season.
Tom Fellows’ journey has showcased Corberan’s desire to bring young players through to his senior squad, as long as they are fit, ready, and willing to fight for the shirt.
Just from this clip alone, Cleary looks like he’s raring to get the season started.
In other West Brom news, a forward heads to West Midlands rivals after Hawthorns exit announced.
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