Reyes Cleary reacts as West Brom announce exciting deadline day deal
Reyes Cleary still has an eye on what West Brom are doing in the transfer market.
The 21-year-old winger came through the West Brom academy and enjoyed loan spells at Walsall and Hartlepool United during the 2024-25 season.
After only making a total of seven first-team appearances for the Baggies, he decided to leave B71 when his contract ran out in the summer.
Cleary has been excellent for League One side Barnsley this season, and gained national recognition for a brilliant performance against Liverpool in the third round of the FA Cup.
But he still holds the Baggies close to his heart and reacted to the news that former academy graduate Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba is returning to The Hawthorns on loan from Aston Villa.
Reyes Cleary likes West Brom announcement for Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba
Cleary reacted to Danny Imray’s arrival at West Brom after the right-back joined on loan from Crystal Palace on 30 January.
The Baggies haven’t stopped there, and they confirmed that Jimoh-Aloba will spend the remainder of the season in B71.
Both players were in the academy at the same time, although Jimoh-Aloba is slightly younger than Cleary.
The 19-year-old midfielder was announced by the Baggies on deadline day, and Cleary was quick to react to the news.
On Instagram, he liked the post that announced Jimoh-Aloba as a new Baggies player.
It’s good to see a former player not cutting ties with their boyhood club, and Cleary could actually have an impact on West Brom’s transfers in the future.
The Baggies have a 20 per cent sell-on clause for his next transfer, and with Barnsley demanding £8million, they could be given a large financial boost when he moves to a bigger club.
Cleary and Jimoh-Aloba are two more examples of West Brom’s elite academy
West Brom have been known to let go of their talents who have gone on to thrive elsewhere.
The likes of Morgan Rogers, Tim Iroegbunam, Chris Wood, and Dara O’Shea have all experienced regular Premier League football since leaving the academy.
Cleary showcased his ability in the cup tie with Liverpool, while Jimoh-Aloba scored the winning goal in Aston Villa’s Europa League win over RB Salzburg on 29 January.
The Baggies could come to regret not placing more faith in both players, as their potential is extremely high.
West Brom need to give their academy players a chance, and at least Jimoh-Aloba has been given that opportunity now.
It’s just unfortunate they’ve waited until he is an Aston Villa player to do so.
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