‘Outrageous, Ridiculous’ – West Brom fans in total disbelief as midfielder exit announced
West Brom have seen multiple notable names leave The Hawthorns over the summer.
Torbjorn Heggem recently completed his move to Serie A outfit Bologna, whilst his centre-back partner for most of last season, Kyle Bartley, also announced his retirement.
At the start of the summer, players such as John Swift, Semi Ajayi and Grady Diangana were all released, and Gianluca Frabotta had his contract mutually terminated.
However, a certain midfielder’s exit has caught the attention of supporters, with some labelling the deal as “ridiculous”.
West Brom fans label Harry Whitwell loan deal ‘outrageous’
Whitwell, 19, has now left West Brom on loan as the teenager seeks opportunities for first-team football to aid his development.
Albion confirmed on Friday that Whitwell will spend the season on loan with Forest Green Rovers.
While this move is understandable, the fact he joined National League side Forest Green for the upcoming campaign has baffled some of the Albion faithful.
- Whitwell scored nine goals and registered three assists in 17 Premier League 2, Division 1 appearances last season
- The youngster also made one brief cameo appearance against Luton Town on the final day of the Championship campaign
- Whitwell also played 78 minutes in Albion’s 2-1 defeat in the EFL Cup to Fleetwood Town last August.
- Read more: Newcastle sign sensation from West Brom – Here are five other rising stars the Baggies lost
Although the midfielder has not managed to force his way into Ryan Mason’s starting XI, Whitwell is highly regarded by supporters, who tipped him to play regularly for a League One or Two outfit, rather than dropping down to the National League.
One described the move on X as “ridiculous”, while another used the word “outrageous”.
West Brom may have to recall Whitwell
If the midfielder tears it up for Forest Green as much as certain supporters predict, then West Brom may eventually have to recall Whitwell and find a more suitable loan deal for him that is further up in the football pyramid.
With Toby Collyer arriving at The Hawthorns, it was the right move to send Whitwell on loan by West Brom.
The Baggies will be hoping that being the main man in Forest Green only accelerates his development even further and makes him ready to contribute to the Albion side once he returns to B13.
Although many expected Whitwell to join a club in a higher division, he cannot afford to be complacent, even if he is a step above the National League level on paper.
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