Last season, West Bromwich Albion narrowly missed out on Championship playoff spots by just three points. Carlos Corberan’s team is now in a similar situation, sitting just outside the playoff picture 16 games into the new second-tier campaign. The recent loss to Southampton allowed Sunderland to overtake them in the standings, pushing West Brom down to seventh place.
In an effort to climb the division, key players like John Swift and Grady Diangana aim to lead the team. Corberan may even take a gamble by placing young talent Tom Fellows in a prominent role for a sustained promotion push. Despite being only 20 years old, Fellows is considered to have a promising future in the game.
We beat @Boro 4-1 at The Hawthorns tonight courtesy of a Tom Fellows brace and goals by Alex Gilbert and Finley Thorndike 👏🏼
Full report and highlights ➡️ https://t.co/CZ5IBrM5e0#FAYouthCup | #WBA pic.twitter.com/0x8yY2g92z
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) January 7, 2020
Having showcased exceptional creativity at youth levels, Fellows has received limited opportunities in the Championship this season. Although he is yet to score or assist in the senior team, his performances off the bench have been noteworthy. In a brief 15-minute appearance against QPR, he created a significant opportunity for a teammate to score, displaying ease in bypassing his marker.
Corberan might consider adjusting his usual starting lineup to include Fellows, potentially displacing more experienced players like Matt Phillips and Diangana. However, there’s uncertainty about Fellows’ future at West Brom, as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season. Recent reports suggest interest from Bundesliga clubs Werder Bremen and FC Augsburg, as well as Premier League sides Southampton and Leicester City.
A league debut for 18-year-old winger Tom Fellows.
Congrats, Tom! ✨ pic.twitter.com/sd8IO6ZTiN
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) December 12, 2021
Despite potential offers, West Brom is keen to retain Fellows and avoid a situation similar to Louie Barry’s departure to Barcelona as a young player. The club hopes to fend off any bids by providing the young talent with more starting opportunities, especially with Adam Reach currently sidelined due to injury.
Fellows may stake a claim for a starting role on the left wing, even though it’s not his natural position. West Brom is determined to keep this emerging talent at the club, recognizing his potential for growth and development with patience at the Hawthorns.
