West Brom agree Walsall transfer as Reyes Cleary leaves on loan
West Brom youngster Reyes Cleary has joined Walsall on a season-long loan, the club has announced.
The Baggies confirmed on Tuesday (20 August) that the 20-year-old forward will spend the 2024/25 campaign in League Two with the Saddlers, getting a real taste of senior football.
Cleary has only made seven appearances for Carlos Corberan’s side since making his debut in 2022, playing his most recent game in the Baggies’ EFL Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town on Tuesday 13 August.
Despite a disappointing injury record, Cleary was one of the several young stars offered a new contract during the summer [WBA].
West Brom gem Reyes Cleary set to gain first-team experiences
The 20-year-old is a very talented youngster, having impressed during the Baggies’ pre-season tour, but Corberan clearly believes it is too early for his chance in the first team.
Very few youngsters have been given the chance to break through into the senior squad, but talents such as Tom Fellows, Mo Faal and Caleb Taylor prove it can be done with hard work and determination.
If Cleary is serious about earning his spot in Corberan’s squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, he must take this loan opportunity with both hands and prove his ability in a tough division.
After finishing in eleventh place in League Two last season, the Saddlers will be hoping to push for a play-off spot this season, and the club have gotten off to the best start.
Mat Sadler’s men have taken six points from two matches so far, claiming an opening-day 1-0 win over Morecambe before thrashing Swindon Town 4-0.
With Walsall flying in the opening matches of the new campaign, Cleary will need to hit the ground running if he is to break into his new squad and earn a spot in the starting XI.
In other West Brom news, Semi Ajayi was slammed as “incredibly naive” after an incident v Leeds United.
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