West Bromwich Albion recently secured their first incoming deal of the summer transfer window as the club announced that they had signed John Swift on a three-year contract from Reading as a free agent.
Given how Baggies boss Steve Bruce previously spoke about the possibility of there being a significant overhaul at the club during the summer, it’s safe to say that they may have got the ball rolling with Swift’s arrival.
However, one man who could well go on to have a big future at The Hawthorns and who, in a similar vein to Swift, wouldn’t cost the club a penny in transfer fees is Jovan Malcolm.
Bruce can save millions with Malcolm
A product of the club’s youth system, the 19-year-old has made a combined 54 appearances for West Brom’s under-18 and under-23 sides. In that time, the centre-forward has scored 23 goals and delivered four assists along the way.
The teenager has also had two loan spells away from the Midlands club with Solihull Moors and Accrington Stanley.
Labelled a “powerful centre-forward [who] loves scoring goals and can adapt to play anywhere across the frontline” according to Albion youth coach Peter Gilbert, Malcolm has yet to make a senior appearance for the Baggies.
Taking into account how West Brom found scoring goals rather difficult at times during their recent Championship campaign, having an attacking talent like the Baggies prodigy in and around the first team could be hugely beneficial for them.
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Also, with Swift racking up 11 goals and 13 assists in 38 league games this season for Reading, having him playing behind or next to Malcolm could be just what the youngster needs in order to flourish in the first team if Bruce gives him the chance to play.
This could then give the team some much-needed dynamism and creativity in their midfield and attack, which may then put them in a good shape to get close to winning promotion back to the Premier League.
If Malcolm can work hard and impress Bruce in pre-season, there’s every chance that he’ll then be given his senior West Brom debut at some point in the campaign and potentially go on to become a regular figure in the team, saving the club millions in the process.
In other news: Bruce can secure the next Gallagher as WBA eye £3m dynamo who is a “constant threat”
