"On an upwards trajectory" - West Brom backed to land Tottenham transfer deal for 8-goal midfielder | OneFootball

Jamie Donley has been linked with a loan move to Albion next season, and that's one that would be welcomed by our WBA fan pundit

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

West Brom may not have a manager currently after Tony Mowbray's dismissal prior to the end of the 2024-25 Championship season, but it hasn't stopped transfer rumours swirling around The Hawthorns.

Albion's season faded away in the final weeks and months, with a play-off challenge slipping out of their grasp, and it ended up costing Mowbray his job in a second stint at the Midlands outfit.

Still without a head coach, West Brom are still being linked with new players though, and as per a report from BirminghamWorld, Tottenham Hotspur youngster Jamie Donley - currently on loan with League One promotion seekers Leyton Orient - has had an enquiry lodged for his services ahead of a potential temporary switch in the 2025-26 season.

West Brom backed to land Tottenham, Jamie Donley loan agreement

Whilst a new manager has to be a priority for West Brom right now, deals for players can still be done without one being in place, hence why there is reported interest in Donley's services.

And when asked on Donley's links to Albion, FLW's Baggies fan pundit Callum Burgess thinks that the youngster could be an exciting addition for whoever is the next manager of the club, and it would make even more sense if current Spurs coach Ryan Mason lands the vacancy at The Hawthorns.

"It'd be an interesting signing because he's certainly made a big impact at Leyton Orient this season," Callum told FLW.

"And with the losses of Grady Diangana and John Swift, I think attacking midfield is going to be an area where Albion will look to invest in the summer.

"The only player really you can play as a recognised number 10 is probably Tammer Bany, and hopefully he kicks on next season after having a bit-part role this year.

"I think it would be good to get Donley in. He's definitely on an upwards trajectory and proved he's good enough for League One level, but the next step for him will be to prove himself at Championship level.

"In terms of Lankshear, it was his first spell away from Tottenham and away from youth level, so he'll probably be let off because of that and he could be someone Albion look to bring back to The Hawthorns next year.

"Donley would be a nice player to have, he can play in central midfield or as an attacking midfielder, and he's certainly talented with the numbers he's put up this year, and I think it might also rely on Ryan Mason moving to The Hawthorns as well if he ends up becoming our manager."

Jamie Donley is ready to step up to the Championship, but West Brom will be a demanding ask of the 20-year-old

There's no doubting that with his 18 goal contributions so far this season, Donley has proven to be one of the top creative performers in League One, and the Championship is his next natural port of call.

With West Brom though, there will be a natural pressure to deliver a play-off place next season, as there has been most years recently, and even for a player with his talent levels and ceiling, Donley might take a while to fully adapt to the rigours of England's second tier.

At 20 years of age and already capped twice by Northern Ireland, Donley has the world at his feet and he will only get better with experience, and Callum rightly makes a point that in comparison to Will Lankshear, he's already had a lot more EFL experience thanks to his full season at Brisbane Road, so he may be more prepared for the pressure.