West Brom Could Beat Birmingham to Re-Sign a Bigger Attacking Talent Than Morgan

West Bromwich Albion made an excellent start to their 2026/27 campaign, securing a convincing 4-1 victory away at Rotherham United in the League Cup.

James Morrison’s side impressed on the road, with Jimmy-Jay Morgan grabbing a brace while Felix Horn Myhre and Harry Whitwell also found the net. Attention now turns to the Championship, with West Brom preparing to face Norwich City at Carrow Road in their opening league fixture.

Morgan will understandably attract plenty of attention after his two-goal debut, having joined the Baggies permanently from Chelsea during the summer. However, despite his impressive start, West Brom may still need another attacking addition, and one player currently attracting interest could potentially offer even more.

Morgan’s promising start comes with questions

Morgan, 20, can operate either as a striker or behind the main forward, and his two goals against Rotherham represented an encouraging beginning to life at The Hawthorns.

However, the level of opposition means his performance needs to be placed into context. Morgan had already demonstrated his goalscoring ability during a loan spell with Peterborough United in League One last season.

The forward scored 12 times in 34 appearances, exceeding his expected-goals figure of 9.28. He averaged a goal every 197 minutes and established himself as a reliable finisher.

Creatively, though, his numbers were less impressive. Morgan averaged only 0.9 key passes per match and supplied three assists throughout the campaign.

That could become a concern as he steps up to the Championship, particularly because he has yet to prove himself as a consistent goalscorer or creator at that level.

Morrison may therefore feel that bringing in another attacking player would provide greater competition and depth, especially if Morgan or another forward struggles to adapt to the demands of the second tier.

Cleary could be the better option

West Brom have been linked with several attacking targets during the summer, but Reyes Cleary stands out as a particularly interesting option.

Reports earlier in the transfer window suggested that the Baggies were among several Championship clubs monitoring the Barnsley winger. Birmingham City are also believed to be interested as they look to strengthen their squad.

Cleary is a familiar name around The Hawthorns, having previously come through West Brom’s academy before leaving for Barnsley last summer.

The 22-year-old reportedly has a price tag of around £3 million, making a potential deal relatively affordable for a Championship club.

His performances last season suggest that West Brom could have a strong case for bringing him back.

Cleary delivered more than Morgan in League One

While Morgan enjoyed an excellent goalscoring campaign at Peterborough, Cleary offered a more complete attacking package at Barnsley.

The winger made 30 starts in League One during 2025/26, compared with Morgan’s 32. Despite making two fewer starts, Cleary contributed to 20 goals, scoring seven and assisting another 13.

Morgan, meanwhile, registered 12 goals and three assists, giving him 15 goal contributions.

Cleary also averaged 1.3 key passes per game and created 13 big chances. His expected-assists figure of 7.06 further highlights his ability to create opportunities for teammates, compared with Morgan’s 2.95.

The statistics suggest that while Morgan is the more prolific finisher, Cleary provides considerably more creativity from wide areas.

That versatility could make him an especially valuable addition to Morrison’s squad.

Cleary has already made an encouraging start

The Barnsley winger has continued to impress at the beginning of the new campaign.

In the League Cup victory over Wigan, Cleary completed three successful dribbles, created two chances and supplied an assist.

His ability to beat defenders, create opportunities and contribute directly to goals makes him an attractive proposition for West Brom.

At just 22, there is also plenty of room for further development.

West Brom should move before Birmingham

West Brom may already be delighted with Morgan’s arrival, but Cleary could arguably give Morrison an even more rounded attacking option.

Morgan’s finishing ability is clear, yet Cleary’s numbers demonstrate that he can influence matches in several different ways. His combination of goals, assists, chance creation and dribbling could make him particularly useful in the Championship.

The fact that West Brom could potentially secure his services for around £3 million only strengthens the argument for making a move.

With Birmingham City also reportedly interested, the Baggies cannot afford to wait too long if they genuinely want to bring their former academy player back to The Hawthorns.

Morgan has made an excellent opening statement, but Cleary’s all-round attacking production suggests that he could ultimately prove to be an even more valuable addition for West Brom.