New West Brom signing tipped not to be at The Hawthorns for long | OneFootball

Rabby Nzingoula has already made a strong impression amongst Baggies supporters

West Bromwich Albion supporter and podcaster, Tom Garratt, believes that the West Midlands side may struggle to retain the services of summer signing, Rabby Nzingoula, if the Frenchman is able to build on a strong first month at The Hawthorns over time.

The Baggies' early-season activity, both on and off the pitch, has caught the eye of many, especially with the 2026/27 Championship season also representing a first full season in management for former B71 midfield favourite, James Morrison.

Although 2025/26 saw Albion finish 21st in the second tier, which was the club's worst position in 25 years, Morrison's initial interim appointment in February kickstarted a phenomenal run of just two defeats in the club's final 12 matches, despite the fact the club were also hit with a controversial two-point deduction by the EFL.

Even though Shilen Patel has been in control at boardroom level at The Hawthorns since February 2024, West Brom haven't exactly splashed the cash since then due to sailing close to the wind when it comes to PSR restrictions, but also haven't enjoyed strong success in the transfer market.

Such feats appear to have changed this summer though, amid a major overhaul of the squad at Morrison's disposal, with the 20-year-old French youth international catching the eye in particular.

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Nzingoula has been one of 10 new additions at The Hawthorns this summer, with seven of those also being either 23 years of age or younger, whilst several experienced and long-serving players have departed.

As such, it has been viewed by Garratt and Callum Fowler on the Pyramid podcast that West Brom are one of the sides who have enjoyed a strong transfer window, despite parting with approximately £15.12m in the meantime.

Football League World exclusively revealed last month that Albion were facing competition from the ambitious Swansea City for the former RC Strasbourg and Montpellier SC man, who already has UEFA Conference League experience.

And after making his first start in the recent 1-0 victory over Watford, Garratt said of the £2m recruit: "We've had such a big turnaround,

"With all the debt we were in, to then have this window. (Toby) Collyer, Nzingoula, Jimmy-Jay Morgan, (Nolan) Galves, (Felix) Horn-Myhre.

"Nzingoula, I'm telling you, he won't be playing for us for long. He's unbelievable," he added.

James Morrison has made the right call with Rabby Nzingoula verdict

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Naturally, there was plenty of excitement when West Brom were able to secure Nzingoula's services for such a low-cost fee, but at such a young age, it can often take time for new players to aclimatise to the rigours of the Championship.

As such, Morrison explained last month that whilst he is aware of the Frenchman's potential, he couldn't have been put straight into the lineup despite the August departure of Alex Mowatt to Derby County.

“(He needs to) Get into the game understanding of how we do things," said the West Brom boss.

“But I can see his talent, so I'll know when it's the right time for him to play.”

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It is a testament to Nzingoula's current ability, as well as future potential, that such reviews have been earned after just a small sample size of minutes, with his first start coming only last weekend.

However, his attributes as a combative midfielder alongside Ousmane Diakite worked well against the Hornets, before he was replaced by Jayson Molumby seven minutes from time.

With the Championship fixture schedule known for being congested, the highly-rated figure's energy will no doubt be key for West Brom in the short and long-term, having penned a three-year contract.

However, Swansea may not be the only side who could eventually be left feeling regretful over his future, as FC Nurnberg of the 2.Bundesliga opted not to activate a €4m buyout clause, with the midfielder spending the second half of last season with the German outfit.