Why Akeel Higgins exit sends wrong message to West Brom's next generation

Akeel Higgins' impending exit from West Brom could have long-reaching consequences.

The 20-year-old looks set to join Wigan Athletic after making just one senior appearance for the Baggies.

The Birmingham-born winger is one of the brightest talents in B71, but he will not be given the chance to become a star at The Hawthorns after his stint in League One with Exeter last season.

West Brom will not get a fee for Higgins, but they do have a sell-on clause, meaning that they could bank some extra funds in the future.

The lack of money coming in immediately is less of a concern given the fact that the Black Country club are no longer in Profit and Sustainability trouble.

However, it does send the wrong message to the next generation of talent trying to breakthrough.

What does Akeel Higgins' exit say about West Brom's youth academy?

Higgins' numbers in the academy are impressive, he notched five goals in 29 matches for the Under-18s.

He also managed to bag eight strikes and nine assists in 55 matches for the Under-21s.

He scored two goals and notched two assists with the Grecians in his first taste of senior football, including a strike in the Devon Derby against Plymouth.

The Baggies clearly did not see enough from him to convince them that he can be an option in the near future, and have made the decision to allow him to move on.

That sends a message to the rest of their youth players, that they will not be patient and that they expect immediate results when loaned out.

How can West Brom send the right message instead?

Shilen Patel and the Bilkul football group have done plenty of good work to keep the club afloat and take them forward.

However, letting academy graduates depart before they have had an opportunity to get into the first-team is not the right way to go.

They need to ensure, along with James Morrison, that there is a pathway to the senior side.

The way to do that is to put faith in young stars, especially for Carabao and FA cup matches.

Ollie Bostock looks ready for more senior minutes after playing a starring role in the latter last time around, and that is the example that needs to be followed.

Supporters have seen the likes of Alex Palmer and Tom Fellows sold to ease financial pressure, and the ownership need to invest in the academy to give them more players who they can relate to.