West Brom may have answer to Josh Maja problem in youth gem
West Brom are in dire need of a new striker after the recent injury to Josh Maja is set to keep him sidelined for an extended period.
Tony Mowbray has just taken charge of the Baggies and will no doubt be looking for ways to bolster his ranks before the winter transfer window slams shut.
While the Black Country club have already been linked with making a move for a striker, it feels like they might not have to look too far away to find the answer to their problem.
That’s because on 18 January, West Brom’s Under-21s beat Liverpool’s Under-21s 5-0 with Clearly managing to bag himself a brace (Official West Brom website, 18 January).
Why is Reyes Cleary the answer West Brom are looking for?
Even though the attacker was recalled from his loan with Walsall, it would be premature to write him off as a lost cause and he might even be off use to Mowbray for the remainder of the campaign.
He’s still only 20 years old and clearly has a keen eye for goal when given the chance to prove his worth.
Not only would promoting the youngster allow the Baggies to use their transfer resources on other areas of the pitch but it would also allow them some extra time to ensure the next striker they bring in is as effective as Maja.
Of course, Daryl Dike is also still on the books at The Hawthorns but with the amount of time he’s spent sidelined since his arrival, there is a need for reinforcement even if it comes from within the club.
Grady Diangana and Karlan Grant are also valid options but at the moment, the difference in quality between the duo and Maja is fairly obvious meaning Mowbray may as well take a risk on the youngster, for now at least.
Only time will tell what the future holds but at the moment, nothing is guaranteed so the Baggies’ hand could be forced with the youngster potentially being given a prominent role in the first-team.
In other West Brom news, Tony Brown has scalded Karlan Grant after a moment involving Jed Wallace against Stoke City on Saturday.
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