Under James Morrison, West Bromwich Albion will be hoping for a far better season.
Despite terrible runs of form under predecessors Ryan Mason and Eric Ramsay and a two-point deduction for controversially breaking the EFL’s P&S rules, the Baggies had an incredible comeback under the Albion legend to maintain their Championship status last season, finishing in 21st place.
Now that the worst of their financial constraints are gone, ownership group Bilkul will be able to spend a little more freely, and Albion’s focus will be on getting back into the promotion mix and aiming for a return to the Premier League.
The Black Country team has already demonstrated their adaptability during the transfer window by adding seven new players to The Hawthorns this summer, including Nolan Galves, Conor Townsend, Carter Pinnington, Felix Horn Myhre, Rabby Nzingoula, Barney Stewart, and Jimmy-Jay Morgan.
Harry Whitwell, a young player who appears to be given an opportunity in the first team under Morrison after making consistent progress since emerging through the youth ranks back in 2024, is another player who might have a significant impact on Albion’s season.
Norwich City, a rival Championship team, has expressed interest in signing the 20-year-old after his impressive Carabao Cup performance. The Canaries hope to take advantage of the fact that the 20-year-old has just one year remaining on his present Albion deal.
In light of this, a West Brom fan commentator on FLW has discussed the Canaries’ interest in the gifted midfield player and the Baggies’ next course of action.
Harry Whitwell, the heroics of Rotherham United, and interest in Norwich City
After coming through the youth ranks at The Hawthorns in 2024, Harry Whitwell has had to bide his time to get a chance to impress for the West Brom first-team, with time spent representing the Baggies at youth level in their Premier League 2 campaigns, while he spent the first half of last season on loan at Forest Green Rovers and cemented himself as one of the first names on the team sheet.
The 20-year-old also made headlines last weekend when the Baggies defeated Rotherham United 4-1 in the Carabao Cup. He scored and assisted in the first forty-five minutes of the game before being substituted at halftime due to a knock.
Because of these heroics, Norwich City has been linked to a move for the gifted midfield player. According to a report by journalist and Full Throstle writer Steve Tudgay, the Canaries are eager to entice Whitwell to Carrow Road because the young player only has 12 months left on his current contract at The Hawthorns.
James Morrison, the manager of Albion, has stated that he wants to hold onto the 20-year-old and include him in his first-team plans. However, the Baggies may have to make a tough choice in order to get some money from a sale.
According to FotMob, Harry Whitwell’s Carabao Cup performance statistics against Rotherham United
Played minutes
45′
Objectives
One
helps
One chance was produced; three significant chances were created.
One
Two shots
Nevertheless, Whitwell may have done enough to get a start for their second-tier opening, appropriately against the related Norwich City, given that no departure agreement has yet been reached and following such an impressive performance at the New York Stadium.
Harry Whitwell is a “risk,” according to West Brom, as Norwich City circles
West Brom supporter Callum Burgess has encouraged the Baggies to “quickly” handle Harry Whitwell’s contract predicament in an interview with Football League World. Albion is taking a “risk” of losing the gifted midfield player for a little amount in the final stages of the transfer window.
Callum addressed FLW about Norwich’s interest in Whitwell, saying, “It’s the risk you take when these youngsters suddenly break into the first-team.”
Whitwell has been marginalised for some time. Although he had multiple successful loan stints, most notably at Forest Green Rovers last season, he was unable to establish himself in the first squad when his loan expired in January. However, James Morrison was obviously impressed by him throughout the preseason.
With 12 months remaining on his contract, it seems sense that Championship teams are beginning to show interest. However, I believe he is more likely to sign a new contract than to see the last year of his current one expire and relocate.
“But it’s definitely something Albion needs to resolve as soon as possible, because Albion has had some success with youth players in recent years—Tom Fellows, Alex Palmer, and Dara O’Shea come to mind—but hopefully Whitwell decides to stay at Albion rather than Albion being forced to sell him for nothing in the coming months.” West Brom must make every effort to keep Harry Whitwell.
Harry Whitwell led West Brom to a 4-1 victory in the League Cup last weekend, despite facing undoubtedly weak competition. Whitwell demonstrated why he is so highly anticipated.
Whitwell was quite effective in Yorkshire, combining up with players like Aune Heggebo, Jimmy-Jay Morgan, and Isaac Price with assurance. His talent and cunning frequently left the Rotherham backline chasing shadows.
He scored his first professional goal for the team to cap off such a promising performance, and he also claimed an assist when summer signing Morgan deftly backheeled his scuffed effort into the net for their opening goal.
The Baggies must make every effort to sign Whitwell to a new contract so he can continue playing football in the Black Country since he appears to have the game that might dominate the Championship this upcoming season.
Holding onto a star like Whitwell might help Albion have enough ammo at the top end of the pitch to put them back in the running for promotion. Albion sorely missed some dynamism and a creative spark in midfield last season, which contributed to their relegation battle.
Whitwell has the potential to become a second-tier superstar this season, so it’s time Albion stood their ground and gave him time to flourish. Too often, Albion has let go of their bright prospects in order to earn quick money.
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