How West Brom could benefit as UEFA backed into financial corner

West Bromwich Albion could be set for an increased incentive to develop young players of the future.

The Albion's academy system is pound for pound one of the best in English football.

Many top players have been forged on the Baggies' production line down the years.

James Morrison is a manager who has shown a clear willingness to put faith in young players, too.

Having a consistent stream of top academy talent flowing into the first-team is vital for a club like West Brom.

And now, UEFA may be forced to recognise that more as European football's governing body faces a fresh call to action.

What financial legislation have UEFA been asked to implement?

UEFA do have a solidarity payments system, which distributes a percentage of their revenue to non-participant clubs in their major competitions.

However, under their current rules, Championship sides do not receive solidarity payments as they are reserved for top-division clubs.

Reporting via his Patreon on Sunday, Alan Nixon reveals that UEFA are now being asked to part with five per cent of their profits to pay clubs like West Brom.

This request has been made by the Union of European Clubs (UEC), who propose a compensation plan for clubs whose ex-players are starring in UEFA competitions.

The suggested five per cent would come out of the revenue UEFA raise from the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.

It would focus on players developed at clubs between the ages of 12 and 19, and the money would then go to that team who helped progress them.

Nixon claims that in 2025-26, this would've seen Birmingham City bank £600,000 and Reading £500,000 through their ex-players.

So, if this plan becomes reality, which ex-players would help West Brom out financially?

It's not just Morgan Rogers who West Brom would benefit from

The most successful player to emerge from West Brom's academy system in recent years is Morgan Rogers.

He joined Albion aged seven, and just days after turning 17, the versatile attacking midfielder joined Manchester City.

Chelsea are very likely to play some form of UEFA competition football again during Rogers' career at Stamford Bridge, thus benefitting Albion.

Then there's Yhan Dhanda, who was with West Brom's academy between the ages of seven and 14.

Dhanda left for Liverpool in 2013, and now players for Scottish Premiership side Hearts.

They are playing Conference League football this season, so West Brom would also be due compensation thanks to him under this proposed scheme.

Of course, there will be more to appear down the line, so if this plan gets put into motion, the Baggies can benefit.