Pundit raves about ‘stylish’ West Brom star who is wanted by Norwich City | OneFootball

Championship pundit Sam Parkin has been full of praise for Baggies midfielder Harry Whitwell.

EFL Championship pundit Sam Parkin has labelled West Brom midfielder Harry Whitwell as ‘stylish’ and ‘elegant’ as the midfielder looks to break into the first-team fold at The Hawthorns this season.

Speaking to content creator Benjamin Bloom on the first episode of their ‘Championship Check-In’ series, Parkin reacted to Whitwell’s sensational first-half display in the Carabao Cup against Rotherham United, tipping the midfielder to have a big part to play under James Morrison.

Of course, Whitwell’s future at Albion is far from certain, with Full Throstle writer Steve Tudgay claiming earlier this week that Championship rivals Norwich City are interested in the midfielder, who enters the final year of his current contract with the Baggies.

Baggies boss Morrison has reiterated Whitwell is in his plans for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign, with the Black Country outfit keen to keep a player on their books that could blossom into a second tier star.

And now, the 20-year-old is starting to get some plaudits, with the 2026-27 campaign geared up to be a breakthrough moment for the Albion academy graduate.

Harry Whitwell’s impressive display in the Carabao Cup

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After coming through the youth ranks at The Hawthorns in 2024, Harry Whitwell has had to bide his time to get a chance to impress for the West Brom first-team, with time spent representing the Baggies at youth level in their Premier League 2 campaigns, while he spent the first half of last season on loan at Forest Green Rovers and cemented himself as one of the first names on the team sheet.

And last weekend, the 20-year-old put his name in lights for the Baggies in their romping 4-1 win over Rotherham United in the Carabao Cup, registering a goal and assist in the opening 45 minutes before being replaced at the break because of a knock to his calf.

Such an eye-catching display could well mean he has done enough to earn a start, fittingly, against the linked Norwich City on the opening day of the new Championship season, with Whitwell looking to cause damage in the second tier and cement himself as one of the first names on the team sheet at The Hawthorns.

Sam Parkin labels Harry Whitwell as ‘stylish’ following Rotherham United heroics

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With Harry Whitwell set for a bright future, his performance for West Brom at Rotherham United has left many avid Championship watchers and pundits impressed, none more so than Sam Parkin.

Speaking to content creator Benjamin Bloom on the first episode of their ‘Championship Check-In’ series, Parkin reacted to Whitwell’s superb first-half display at the New York Stadium, labelling the midfielder as a ‘stylish’ and ‘elegant’ player for the Baggies, who could be set to compliment Isaac Price very well in the attacking midfield spots.

Parkin said (from 9:43): “It was just the interchange between Harry Whitwell, who looks like a really stylish midfield player, very similar to Isaac Price, both six foot, both very elegant with and without the ball, the way they move.

“Those two, and Jimmy-Jay Morgan in particular, who's a bit freer in his starting position to that of Heggebo, that trio, oh my goodness, Rotherham just couldn’t get anywhere near them, they blew them away in the first half.”

West Brom have a talent on their hands in Harry Whitwell and must rebuff Norwich City interest

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While against admittedly poor opposition, West Brom were spearheaded in their 4-1 victory last weekend by the presence of Harry Whitwell, who showcased what he is all about.

Whitwell was mightily impressive, confidently linking up with the likes of Isaac Price, Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Aune Heggebo, while he had the trickery and skill up his sleeve that often bamboozled the Rotherham backline.

Such an enjoyable display was capped off with him notching his first professional goal for the club, while he also claimed an assist as his scuffed effort was cleverly backheeled into the net by summer signing Morgan for their opening goal of the afternoon.

Whitwell seems to have the game that can take the Championship by storm this coming season, so the Baggies have to do all they can to tie him down to a new contract and allow him to continue his footballing journey in the Black Country.

Albion desperately missed dynamism and a creative spark in midfield last term that contributed to their relegation battle, so keeping hold of a star like Whitwell could go a long way in seeing the club score enough goals to get them back into the promotion mix.

Too often, Albion have let go of their young prospects to make a quick buck, so it’s time they stood firm and are the beneficiaries of a big talent that has the potential to transform into a second tier superstar.