“May find himself down the pecking order” – West Brom cast eyes over Liverpool midfielder: The verdict | OneFootball

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 are considering a January move for Liverpool midfielder Leighton Clarkson, as per a report from Football Insider.

The report states that the 21-year-old, who is currently on loan north of the border at Aberdeen, is also being monitored by QPR and Reading as the Premier League giants mull over the midfielder’s immediate future.

The midfielder has appeared 19 times in all competitions for the Dons this season, netting five times and providing a further two assists.

Clarkson spent the first half of last season on loan at hometown club Blackburn Rovers, however, he was restricted to just seven Championship appearances.

Three of our writers here at FLW have shared their thoughts regarding the young midfielder and whether or not a move to West Brom would be wise…

Quiz: What club do these 15 ex-West Brom academy players play for now?

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Chris Wood?

QPR Cardiff City Newcastle United Burnley

Billy Mulley

Clarkson is an exciting talent who is showing excellent signs during his time with Aberdeen this season, in what is proving to be an excellent temporary stint for all involved.

Whilst the young midfielder would represent strong business at The Hawthorns, the midfield talent that Carlos Corberan has available to him at The Hawthorns would make a move to West Brom somewhat of a risk.

Technically-gifted, full of desire out of possession and someone who can play in a deeper role or slightly more advanced, there would be potential for Clarkson to play regularly at the Midlands club, but ultimately, it remains a risk.

It would be no surprise if Liverpool opt for Clarkson to continue his loan spell at Aberdeen for what remains of the season and then consider the Championship for the 2023/24 campaign.

Declan Harte

Clarkson has performed well in Scotland with Aberdeen, becoming an important part of their side since signing in the summer.

His previous stint in the Championship likely came too soon, but he now looks ready to take the jump back to England’s second tier.

West Brom are in good form and playing good football under Carlos Corberan so should be a positive environment for the 21-year old to step into.

However, he may find himself down the pecking order given some of the Spaniard’s options in midfield.

While it may be a positive move to improve depth at the Hawthorns, it might not be the best next step for Clarkson’s development.

Toby Wilding

You do wonder slightly whether this is a signing West Brom really need to make at this moment in time.

The Baggies have a well established partnership in the centre of the park in the form of Okay Yokuslu and Jayson Molumby, with the likes of John Swift, Adam Reach and Jake Livermore also providing depth in that area.

As a result, it could be argued that there is little need to add in that area, especially given a loanee such as Clarkson would be expected to play, which could upset the rhythm West Brom look to building in that position right now.

Meanwhile, although he has admittedly impressed at Aberdeen so far this season, Clarkson was somewhat underwhelming on loan with Blackburn in the Championship during the previous campaign, which could make this something of a risk, that is perhaps not necessary for West Brom to take.