Rayhaan Tulloch has been hailed as an ‘exceptional talent’ as he returns to West Bromwich Albion hoping to show the benefits of his first extended run in senior football.
Attacker Tulloch made the left-field switch to League of Ireland side Dundalk earlier this year and he went on to score five goals in 18 appearances during his fruitful spell at Oriel Park.
Having previously been denied lengthy spells in the first-team at Doncaster Rovers – because of injury – and Rochdale during previous loan moves, Tulloch impressed the Dundalk staff, who have been quick to show their gratitude for his contribution over the past few months, as he prepares to make his return to the Black Country.
Tulloch, 22, has made two league appearances for Albion – a substitute outing apiece under Valerien Ismael and Steve Bruce in the 2021-22 season – and heads back to Albion with a single year left on the contract he agreed in the summer of 2020 following the Baggies’ return to the Premier League under Slaven Bilic.
The forward has spent the majority of his Albion career operating in the Premier League 2, but there’s a decision for Carlos Corberan to make this summer as he begins to paint a picture in his head of how he wants his squad to look – and whether that involves Tulloch or not.
“Rayhaan fitted in seamlessly with the players and the staff and he is an exceptional talent who made a big contribution to the team over the last six months,” Dundalk FC Head of Football Operations Brian Gartland said. “We would like to thank West Bromwich Albion for helping us bring Rayhaan to the League of Ireland and we wish him the very best of luck in the future.”
Tulloch himself is hoping to make a positive impression back in England and hopes to display the benefits of his loan spell at what is an important juncture of his playing career.
“It’s been a really enjoyable experience, especially trying something new. I didn’t really know much about the League of Ireland, but it’s been challenging and it’s been fun,” he said. “It’s a very different league. Every team is capable of beating every other team on any given day, as you can see from the league table. It’s crazy. I genuinely don’t think there’s an easy game.
“I scored a few goals and I played a good chunk of football, which is what I was looking for from the move. This is the first time I’ve really played consistent, men’s football. I needed that and hopefully, my time at Dundalk will help push me in the right direction with my career.”