Reyes Cleary left West Brom in the summer to join Barnsley, and his form this season must be a tough pill to swallow for the Baggies.
West Brom have struggled to make any real noise in the Championship this season and do not appear to be challenging for promotion. Ryan Mason is under pressure at the moment, but the Baggies’ win against Sheffield United will help him.
WBA made nine signings in the summer period, with the signing of Aune Heggebo standing out as the most impressive piece of business. Eleven players left the Hawthorns in the transfer window, with significant money being made by Tom Fellows, Caleb Taylor and Torbjorn Heggem.
The sale of Taylor and Fellows means the Baggies made a 100% profit on their academy graduates. Reyes Cleary also left in the summer when his contract expired, due to the youngster’s desire to play in the first team.
Cleary joined Barnsley and has been hugely important to the League One team ever since arrival at Oakwell. His impact in the third level raises the question of whether West Brom should have done more to retain the 21-year-old and invest more time in playing the younger assets.
Reyes Cleary shines in League One
Cleary has been one of Barnsley’s standout attacking players in League One this season. The 21-year-old was loaned out to Walsall and Hartlepool United last season but has made the move to the third tier.
Reyes Cleary’s stats for Barnsley
West Brom didn’t think the striker was good enough to break into the first team, but he is proving his former club completely wrong. The youngster extended his goal-scoring contributions for the season last weekend with a goal and two assists in the Tykes’ 3-2 win.
Barnsley are currently just four points away from the play-offs, and with Reyes in top form, reaching the top six is a huge possibility. Only time will tell how much WBA will regret their decision.
West Brom must learn from Taylor and Cleary’s mistakes
West Brom have struggled at both ends of the pitch this season and could have done with both Taylor and Cleary. The lack of reluctance to let their younger talents leave should be a major concern for Baggies fans.
WBA seems to be at a standstill in the championship and not showing many signs of progressing towards a promotion contender. They do have the quality to compete, but are not showing that yet this season.
The Baggies still have immense talent on their books Isaac Priceand he appears destined for a move to the Premier League next year. WBA must be more willing to give more of their youth stars opportunities to potentially emulate the success of the Northern Ireland international.
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