Carlos Corberan wants to unearth U21 stars to save West Brom transfer budget.
Carlos Corberan is planning to look in-house to unearth new gems for the first team at West Brom this summer.
Speaking to the Express & Star, the Baggies boss said he was hoping to have some transfer business concluded soon to integrate new players during pre-season.
However, West Brom’s financial issues off the pitch mean the Spaniard is likely to be operating mainly in the loan and free agents markets, and Corberan is planning to run the rule over the club’s academy prospects to boost his squad.
“We have some talents in the academy who I will be forcing to be part of our pre-season matches with the senior team,” he said.
“In the new challenge and situation for the club, the academy has to have an important part to play. The academy players can be the future of the club. Players who have previously been in the under-21 team can be part of the first team in pre-season and it’s up to them to show us that they are ready.
“Maybe we can find a player from the academy who can help the club cover one position instead of having to go to the market.”
Look to the future
Given West Brom’s precarious financial position and the need to sell assets – with captain Dara O’Shea the first of those exits to Burnley – it makes complete sense for Corberan to look at the young options in his squad.
It was announced on Wednesday (29 June) that the Baggies had retained their Category One academy status, which is a huge boost at a time when money for incomings is likely to be scarce.
The likes of O’Shea, Ashley Williams, Chris Wood and Danny Gabbidon are examples of players who have graduated from the West Brom academy and gone on to represent their national football teams.
Moreover, Corberan is adept at working with and progressing young talent, so it would make absolute sense that his instinct is to look at what he has already available in the youth ranks before deciding what additions he can make in the loan and free market.