West Brom still want Liverpool player that Jurgen Klopp called ‘absolutely insane’
West Brom are still in the market for new signings before the end of the window, with a glowing recommendation from Jurgen Klopp on the table.
Ryan Mason has started the season incredibly, in his first role in senior management with The Hawthorns outfit, winning his first two Championship games.
However, with two weeks left in the transfer window, there is a sense that they still need new additions.
West Brom have added former Anfield star Nat Phillips, Aune Heggebo, George Campbell and Toby Collyer to their squad.
West Brom still interested in James McConnell
West Brom are amongst several clubs that are interested in James McConnell, who looks set to leave Merseyside on loan.
A report from The Athletic (19 August) claimed that Oxford United, Hull and Sturm Graz are rivalling the Baggies for his services.
Former Reds boss Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for McConnell after the Carabao Cup final win against Chelsea in February 2024.
Speaking after the contest, the German said: “The development of James McConnell is absolutely insane.”
What would James McConnell bring to West Brom?
McConnell is highly rated on Merseyside and not just by Klopp, who handed him his first-team debut against Toulouse in October 2023.
He is a versatile midfielder who can play in the holding role or further forward as well as in a traditional centre midfield position.
- Signed for Liverpool from Sunderland at the Under-15 level
- Made his Under-18 debut as an Under-16 player
- Signed a professional contract with Liverpool in 2021
- Senior debut as a substitute in the Europa League clash with Toulouse in 2023
- Made 13 appearances for the Reds since, with three in the Premier League
That showcases his adaptability, and he also possesses the ability to dictate tempo and maintain possession, which would benefit Mason’s side.
Given how Klopp rated him and his eye for talent in his stints at Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, it is safe to say that he would likely thrive when handed opportunities in the Black Country.
He would face a battle to overhaul Alex Mowatt and Jayson Molumby in the centre of the park, but with his mentality, he would back himself to take one of those places.
It would be a very astute addition for Albion if they could beat their rivals to his signature, and could help Mason in his push for promotion to the top-flight.
Given the number of matches in the Championship, he would surely make an impact at some point, so it would be a mutually beneficial agreement for all parties.
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