Who is Brighton gem Charlie Tasker as West Brom look to do what Wolves couldn’t?
West Brom are eager to bolster their options at right-back, with Charlie Tasker linked with a move to The Hawthorns.
Darnell Furlong is currently the obvious choice for Ryan Mason to deploy on the right-hand side of his defence, with the 29-year-old playing 42 out of Albion’s 46 Championship games last campaign.
To the delight of some supporters, his position may be under threat, with 19-year-old Tasker attracting interest from the Black Country outfit for a potential loan deal.
With Wolves supposedly failing to secure a permanent move for the teenager, West Brom could do what their bitter rivals couldn’t and secure Tasker’s signature, albeit on a loan deal.
Tasker impressed Brighton boss Hurzeler in pre-season
With the arrivals of Nat Phillips and George Campbell, West Brom have already bolstered the heart of their defence in this window.
Tasker could be deployed next to one of these new centre-back additions next season, with the right-back being touted as a teenage sensation who is seen as a promising option who could be Brighton’s long-term solution in that position.
Right now, however, the youngster is in need of regular first-team minutes, and despite Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler being impressed with Tasker in their pre-season camp out in Spain, a loan move will be the most likely way to facilitate this.
The academy graduate, who has been at Brighton since the age of eight, has found his way into the first-team squad on the South Coast, but is yet to make a Premier League appearance, as Tasker found himself featuring in a variety of competitions for the Seagulls’ youth sides last season.
Tasker appearances for Brighton at various levels last season:
- Football League Trophy – 3 appearances
- National League Cup – 3 appearances
- Premier League 2, Division 1 – 12 appearances
This is not the first time Mason would be willing to give youth a chance, with the Baggies pursuing Tottenham Hotspur’s Mikey Moore before the winger ultimately looks to be on the verge of joining Rangers.
With Stoke City also reportedly interested in Tasker, Mason will not want to be left furious again as he misses out on another loan target.
Tasker would be a phenomenal signing for the Baggies
Standing 6’1″ tall, Tasker possesses a physicality as well as a fantastic ability to drive with the ball and carry it forward.
With Furlong being criticised by sections of the Albion fanbase, Tasker would provide the perfect competition for the position that has been missing for so long at right-back.
With big money signings like Aune Heggebo likely draining the majority of West Brom’s resources this summer, securing talented youngsters like Tasker on loan could be the perfect way to round out Mason’s squad.
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