Iling-Junior to follow in Mikey Johnston’s footsteps as West Brom announcement made
Samuel Iling-Junior could become an important player for West Brom this season.
West Brom signed Iling-Junior on loan from Aston Villa on deadline day during the summer. Charlie Taylor was the final player signed by Albion, who will be spending the season at The Hawthorns on loan from Southampton.
Albion fans were dubious about signing Illing-Junior, given the departure of Tom Fellows. Supporters were convinced their club needed to sign a replacement before the summer deadline.
However, their new recruit could turn out to be a huge boost for the Baggies’ promotion hopes.
Samuel Iling-Junior to wear number 22 for West Brom
Ryan Mason will be aiming to win the Championship this season and will be relying on Iling-Junior to help him do it.
Iling-Junior has pinpointed his four attributes that West Brom could use moving forward. And the Baggies have now revealed the shirt he will wear while doing so.
As reported by West Brom on Tuesday, 9 September, both Iling-Junior and Taylor have been allocated squad numbers to wear for the 2025/26 campaign.
Iling-Junior will wear number 22, with Taylor sporting number 29.
Samuel Iling-Junior can follow Mikey Johnston’s footsteps
Last January, Mikey Johnston joined the Baggies on loan from Celtic as a deadline day signing for the remainder of the 2023/24 season.
- 13 February 2024: Johnston netted his first goal on his first start 30 seconds into a game against Cardiff
- The winger was named EFL Championship Player of the Month for March 2024 after scoring four goals
His stellar form for West Brom saw him sign a permanent contract with the club on 30 August 2024.
Before he sported the number 11, Johnston wore the 22 for the Baggies. He wore it throughout the 2024/25 campaign before taking up the 11 this season.
As such, it would not be surprising to see Iling-Junior’s career with Albion follow a similar trajectory. Both arrived at West Brom on loan and were given the number 22 to wear.
Johnston’s form urged the Baggies to sign him on a permanent transfer, and if Iling-Junior performs similarly, he too could be signed permanently. As such, this could be the start of something special for the Aston Villa loanee.
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