“Would be a risky move” – West Brom set sights on Newcastle United player: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

West Brom have joined the race for exciting Newcastle United teenager Elliot Anderson, as per a report from TEAMtalk. 

The report states that the Baggies are joined by Stoke City, Middlesbrough, Coventry City and Reading in pursuit of the 19-year-old, who is currently on loan at Bristol Rovers.

Nottingham Forest, Preston North End and QPR have also been credited with an interest in the Newcastle starlet, according to The Sunday Mirror, page 70, 03.04.22).

Luton Town went close to striking a loan agreement with Newcastle to bring Anderson to Kenilworth Road in January, however, the Hatters opted against the idea as there seemed to be no option to buy.

Three of our writers here at FLW have shared their thoughts regarding West Brom’ interest in the 19-year-old…

Josh Cole 

Although it is abundantly clear that West Brom need to strengthen their squad this summer following what has been a disappointing 2021/22 campaign, they ought to avoid making a move for Anderson.

Whereas the attacking midfielder has provided a respectable total of nine direct goal contributions in League Two during his stint at Bristol Rovers, he has never played in the Championship before during his career and thus the jury is out on whether he will be able to deliver the goods at this level.

Signing Anderson would be a risky move by the Baggies as there is a strong possibility that he is simply not ready to feature in the second-tier at this stage of his career.

Instead of taking a punt on the teenager, West Brom may find it more beneficial to