(Credit: Imago)

West Brom sign teen forward from Midlands club, two-year deal agreed

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Sports journalist with experience at Football League World and Burton Albion FC; Derby University graduate. FOCUS Transfer coverage and behind-the-scenes insight across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Evan utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, high-speed transfer reporting. He provides the depth behind the deals to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

03 Sep 2025, 7:15 am

West Brom enjoyed a successful transfer deadline day as they bolstered their ranks in two key areas of concern.

The Baggies have had a strong start to the new Championship campaign, but a few holes had already appeared within their squad following the late sales of Torbjorn Heggem and Tom Fellows.

Samuel Iling-Junior and Charlie Taylor both joined West Brom ahead of the transfer cut-off, with the pair providing valuable options out wide and at left-back, respectively.

Ryan Mason's squad now looks fairly well-rounded, and the passing of the deadline hasn't stopped them from getting more business done.

West Brom manager Ryan Mason stares into the distance while wearing a club hoodie on the touchline.

Mason's squad looks to be in a good place. (Credit: Imago)

West Brom sign Cole Dexter

Mason will have been pleased by West Brom's late business, as it capped off what has been a largely promising window on the whole.

The Black Country outfit ended the summer with nine new additions to their squad, and with four of those aged 23 or below, there has clearly been a concerted effort to lower the age of the squad.

Albion have had a strong record of developing young players over the years, and Mason should add to that with his background in academy coaching.

West Brom's squad now has an average age of 25.5 this season
That ranks them as the Championship's 13th-youngest group
Their average age has come down from 26.4 compared to last season

The transfer window may now have closed, but that hasn't stopped the incomings in B71, with West Brom moving to add Cole Dexter to their ranks on Tuesday.

The 16-year-old forward has joined from Midlands side Telford United and has penned a two-year scholarship contract at The Hawthorns.

Shrewsbury-born Dexter has worked his way through the ages with the Bucks, and even represented their U18 side last season.

Read More: Supercomputer predicts where West Brom will finish in Championship as Ryan Mason completes deadline signings

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The Baggies should explore the free agent market

West Brom could face interest in Josh Maja beyond the EFL's transfer deadline, with the striker understood to be catching the eye of clubs in both Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

As a result, it could be prudent for Albion to explore the possible options that are available through the free agent market at the moment.

The likes of Josh Brownhill and Patrick Bamford have big CVs at Championship level, and are yet to find a club for themselves this season.

The squad is already looking strong as we head into the bulk of the campaign, but a shrewd addition on a free transfer could provide a vital boost to West Brom's promotion aspirations.

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