Walsall have ‘significant interest’ in signing West Brom rising star
Walsall endured a hugely disappointing end to the season in League Two which ultimately cost them promotion in agonising fashion.
The West Midlands outfit had been 14 points clear at the top of the division in early January, but the recall of prolific Stoke City loanee, Nathan Lowe, sparked a remarkable downturn in their form.
The Saddlers eventually finished fourth and looked like they had revitalised themselves when they brushed aside Chesterfield in the play-off semi-finals. However, they couldn’t complete the job, and were beaten by AFC Wimbledon in the Wembley showpiece.
They also had West Brom youngster Reyes Cleary on loan for part of the season, and with Ryan Mason now in charge of the Baggies, his understanding of young players could open the door for more potential loan exits from The Hawthorns.
Walsall are very keen on West Brom’s Harry Whitwell
Walsall’s change in fortunes this season largely hinged on their dependance on a loanee, but that doesn’t look like it has deterred them ahead of this summer’s transfer window.
The League Two outfit hold “significant interest” in West Brom youngster Harry Whitwell, and are one of several Football League sides to be chasing a loan move for the 19-year-old, according to West Brom Xtra (5 June).
The midfielder is one of several in the Baggies’ academy who is thought to have a big future ahead of him, and regular first-team opportunities had been tipped to be just around the corner this season.
Whitwell has already made two appearances for West Brom’s first team, but it now looks like he could be heading away from The Hawthorns to gain more valuable experience of senior men’s football.
A loan move will be good for Whitwell
Whitwell has made swift progress with West Brom’s academy sides, meaning that a loan move is surely the next logical step for the starlet.
He notched nine goals and five assists for the club’s youth team in 2024/25, and that record will surely stand him in good stead to have an impact at a club in the lower reaches of the Football League.
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| Premier League 2 | 17 | 8 | 3 |
| Premier League Cup | 6 | 1 | 2 |
| National League Cup | 3 | – | – |
| Total | 26 | 9 | 5 |
Whitwell had been in line for a move to League Two earlier this season, but his proposed switch to Cheltenham Town ultimately fell through.
That appears to be the perfect level for the 19-year-old to step into at present, and there are few better clubs to do that with than Walsall.
The Saddlers are in close proximity to Whitwell’s parent club, making it very easy for West Brom to keep tabs on their young star. In addition, they have shown with their handling of Lowe this season, that they can provide the perfect environment for a talented youngster to grow and showcase his ability.
If the proposed switch does go through, Walsall could provide Whitwell with the perfect route into the senior game.