West Brom were in talks to send Harry Whitwell on loan to Cheltenham Town late in the winter window, as per the Express and Star.
West Brom enjoyed a fine deadline day as they set about further strengthening their ranks. All eyes were on new WBA arrivals as Tony Mowbray makes his mark at The Hawthorns.
There was a big departure as Alex Palmer left fo Ipswich Town but late deals for Tammer Bany and Adam Armstrong rounded out a fine winter window.
There was scope for more departures though, perhaps for more young players on the fringes of first-team action. Among those in that position is Harry Whitwell, but a move didn’t materialise for the talented midfielder late on.
According to the Express and Star, West Brom were in discussions over a loan move to Cheltenham Town for 19-year-old Whitwell. However, the move was not finalised, and the youngster stayed put.
The former England U18 international is under contract until the summer of 2026 and has been on a number of first-team benches this season. He started in the EFL Cup clash with Fleetwood Town earlier this season too and will be eyeing a breakthrough under Mowbray in the years to come.
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A winter loan felt perfect for Whitwell. He’s really impressed in the West Brom academy but as Mowbray said himself, it’s not really the right time to be blooding youngsters into the first-team fold on a regular basis.
As such, the teenage midfielder may have to find most of his game time in the youth ranks for the rest of the season, despite being ready for a step up.
There could be some opportunities in the senior side if he keeps appearing on the bench in the Championship.
Come the summer though, WBA can revive their search to find Whitwell with a senior loan, allowing him to make the next steps in his development.
The Mowbray factor
One thing that will work in favour of young stars like Whitwell is the arrival of new boss Mowbray.
The West Brom chief is well-versed in the development of young players. He’s always been present talented prospects with the opportunities they need when the chance arises, so Whitwell and co should stand a good chance of finding minutes under his lead in the years to come.
For now though, the focus is on nurturing his talent rather than thrusting him into the rough and tumble of a fight for the Championship play.
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