West Brom could get transfer budget boost before deadline as £8m news emerges
Barnsley’s Reyes Cleary is in high demand less than a year after leaving West Brom for free.
Cleary has been excellent this season, despite only making seven first-team appearances for the Baggies before his contract ran out in the summer.
In Barnsley’s 4-1 loss to Liverpool in the third round of the FA Cup, Cleary gained national recognition for his stunning display on the left wing.
As a result, he has become one of the most valuable players in League One, and Conor Hourihane’s side are hoping to get up to £8million for the 21-year-old, which will hugely benefit West Brom.
West Brom on course to bank £1.6m for Reyes Cleary transfer
The Baggies have made two signings in the winter transfer window, with Danny Imray and Max O’Leary walking through the door, but they have been frugal with their spending under Shilen Patel this month.
Journalist Alan Nixon posted on his Patreon that Barnsley want £5million plus another £3m in add-ons for Cleary.
The valuation has put off the likes of Blackburn and Sheffield United, who have firm interest in the 21-year-old, but are not keen on the price tag.
| Team | Appearances | Goals |
| U18s | 35 | 30 |
| U21s | 24 | 25 |
| U23s | 17 | 7 |
| Senior team | 7 | 0 |
Barnsley had already been approached by Championship clubs, but given the increased interest in Cleary, they want more than what was previously expected.
The Baggies are believed to have a 20 per cent sell-on clause for their academy graduate.
If Barnsley do manage to secure an £8m fee for his departure, then West Brom would be owed £1.6m.
Even if the move doesn’t go through before the deadline on 2 February, Cleary’s potential means West Brom will definitely earn a sizeable fee in the future, and it’s a testament to how strong their academy is.
West Brom’s academy has produced some top-class players in recent years
After loan spells at Hartlepool United and Walsall, Cleary decided that he needed a new adventure away from B71, and he’s not the only player to come through the academy and perform elsewhere.
Morgan Rogers began his career in West Brom’s academy before joining Manchester City in 2019, and he has been on an incredible journey to reach his current position with Aston Villa.
Widely regarded as one of the best players in the Premier League, Villa’s attacking midfielder has progressed massively since leaving the Baggies.
The likes of Tim Iroegbunam, Chris Wood, and Dara O’Shea have all experienced a taste of regular Premier League football elsewhere.
There is perhaps frustration that the Baggies aren’t able to keep a lot of their young talent for much longer, but it’s a fact that they have one of the most successful academies in the country.
Although the Baggies couldn’t convince Cleary to stay, West Brom can still reap the rewards of his future success.
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