Darnell Furlong, a key player from last season’s play-off clinching side, is one such player who might be on his way out. Football journalist Alan Nixon speculates that the West Midlands club could fetch £2 million for their dependable right-back if he is put up for sale.
Instead of trying to attract a high-profile replacement for the respected Baggies servant, West Brom could emulate the success of Tom Fellows’ rapid rise this season by giving more opportunities to their young right-back if Furlong departs.
Ethan Ingram’s Loan Performance
Ethan Ingram, listed on West Brom’s recent retained list and offered a new contract as a member of the U21s, is now hoping for his chance to shine in the senior team, inspired by Fellows’ success when thrust into first-team action.
The 6-foot-1 defender has had only one loan spell away from the Hawthorns, which had its ups and downs. Ingram started his loan at Salford City with a bang, even scoring his first professional goal in October. However, his minutes dwindled towards the end of the season, making just 27 league appearances and only two in the final eight League Two matches. Despite this, his initial performances were impressive enough for ex-Salford manager Neil Wood to describe him as “outstanding.”
Although his time at Salford was inconsistent, it can be seen as a valuable learning experience rather than a setback. This mirrors Fellows’ own development, who was tested with a loan at Crawley Town back in 2022. If given the chance, Ingram could follow a similar path and make a significant impact for West Brom.
| Ingram vs Fellows – numbers out on loan | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stat – per 90 mins* | Ingram | Fellows |
| Games played | 27 | 40 |
| Goals scored | 1 | 0 |
| Assists | 0 | 2 |
| Big chances missed | 1 | 7 |
| Big chances created | 4 | 4 |
| Touches* | 56.3 | 24.0 |
| Accurate passes* | 25.4 | 9.0 |
| Interceptions* | 1.0 | 0.2 |
| Tackles* | 1.5 | 1.0 |
| Stats by Sofascore | ||
Struggling at the level like Ingram, nobody would have expected such an unassuming figure to explode into life with the Baggies this campaign, but Fellows would end this season with five goals and four assists next to his name.
Therefore, it wouldn’t out of the ordinary for Ingram to excel in Furlong’s absence, if he’s given a chance in the first-team soon.
Why Ingram could be an unlikely Furlong replacement
Away from fading in and out of games for Salford, Ingram has shone in the U21 ranks for the Baggies, picking up nine assists from 51 total games, which has already led to moments in the first-team coming his way.
Making three first-team appearances to date, those could well increase if Furlong exits, even partnering homegrown product Fellows potentially down a youthful right-hand side if everything slots into place.
With Furlong’s wage demands potentially influencing the West Midlands outfit’s decision to part ways, as Capology predicts the Baggies’ number two currently earns £18.4k per week – a stark contrast to Fellows’ modest £6k per week – this move could also serve as a cost-saving measure to redirect funds toward strengthening other positions beyond the defense.
While it might seem harsh to let Furlong go in this manner, with a summer of significant changes on the horizon, especially if Corberan departs, a revamped squad could be in store for supporters at the Hawthorns next season.
Ingram would benefit from these changes, finally getting the opportunity to shine after patiently waiting in the wings for his chance at first-team glory.
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