West Brom looking to beat Barnsley in teenage winger pursuit

West Brom are looking to sign former Southend United winger Piers Hatcliff ahead of Barnsley, according to reporter Alan Nixon.

West Brom might not have been the busiest of clubs in the summer transfer window, but they look to have made some worthwhile improvements to the squad at The Hawthorns.

Carlos Corberan has led his side to a strong start to the season, claiming 10 points from the first four games. They’re in action later today on Sunday against Portsmouth, with the trip to Fratton Park sure to provide a test.

However, despite the summer window ending, there’s still scope to make new additions. That’s especially the case at youth level, with some top young prospects still on the lookout for new clubs.

Now, it is claimed one on the West Brom radar is Piers Hatcliff.

Writing on his Patreon, reporter Alan Nixon states the Baggies are looking to sign the teenage winger, who is still without a club after leaving National League side Southend United. Barnsley have been keen on a deal too, so there’s competition for his signature.

It is noted that while the Tykes are interested, a move to the Championship club could offer him ‘a better route’ to the top as Hatcliff looks to maximise his potential and forge a successful career in the game.

A new starlet inbound?

West Brom are renowned for their development of young players, bringing some all the way through the ranks while others are snapped up from other clubs and brought into the fold.

Hatcliff would fall into the latter, though it remains to be seen whether he makes the move to The Hawthorns. Barnsley are decent competition for his signature and it’s not out of the question that other sides are keeping tabs on his situation after his Southend United.

The Baggies have a great track record though, and you have to think that will come into play.

2024 has seen winger Tom Fellows become a star player for Corberan’s side and a big financial asset. There will be a number of hopefuls looking to follow in his footsteps and as a fellow winger, Hatcliff may well be among them if he joins.

Looking ahead

While some at the club keep an eye on the potential additions they can make outside of the transfer window, Corberan and co will be laser focused on maintaining their form and kicking on further after this strong start to the season.

With the aforementioned Fellows starring and Josh Maja amongst the goals, it could prove to be a big season for West Brom.

The trip to Portsmouth is a challenging one. Pompey have drawn three of their first four games, all coming against good teams in Leeds United, Middlesbrough and Luton Town.

It means the Baggies certainly won’t be viewing this as an easy game, regardless of whether or not they’ll be favourites to win.