West Brom told they may face "big regret" over knock-on effect of Tom Fellows, Southampton transfer | OneFootball

Tom Fellows' departure has left a gaping hole in the Baggies' ranks

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 Bromwich Albion have made a strong start to life under Ryan Mason, although some potential red flags may occur over time due to the club's intriguing transfer decisions during the summer.

After a dismal campaign last time out under a plethora of temporary and interim bosses, Albion have been among the Championship's early-season pace-setters, winning three and drawing one of their opening four league encounters under the management of the former Tottenham Hotspur assistant.

Despite a plethora of incomings and outgoings at The Hawthorns during the off-season and right up to Monday's 7PM transfer deadline, many have praised the West Midlands side for the majority of business conducted, with lots of it centering around defensive improvements as, in particular, Nat Phillips has made an immediate impact following his move from Liverpool.

Yet, despite adding the likes of Aune Heggebo to the attacking ranks, supporters have raised concerns about the lack of an adequate replacement for homegrown winger, Tom Fellows, who recently departed to divisional rivals Southampton, much to the confusion and frustration of many in B71.

Fellows swiftly became one of the second-tier's hottest properties after breaking onto the first-team scene in this part of the West Midlands initially under Valerien Ismael back in late 2021.

The young winger would come of age mainly under Carlos Corberan during the 2023/24 season, scoring four times and posting three assists as the Baggies made the play-offs, ironically losing to his new employers in the semi-finals before they and Everton initially registered their interest.

Fellows ended last season as the Championship's joint-top assist maker alongside Josh Murphy, meaning that a departure felt inevitable. However, alongside the minimal £10m fee reported for his move to St Mary's, Football League World's West Brom fan pundit, Callum Burgess, believes the club could regret their decision to not move for a 'natural' replacement as soon as possible.

"I think it could very easily end up becoming a big regret that Albion didn't sign a direct replacement for Tom Fellows," Callum told FLW.

"We did manage to bring in Samuel Iling-Junior who can operate on both wings and at left-back. Mikey Johnston's an option on the right wing now, but that may mean he won't be able to play in his best position on the left-hand side.

"Of course, you've got Jed Wallace who did play well vs Stoke City. But, I think he's not the player you want to be starting on the right wing when you're trying to push for the top-six.

"That's the one area where we may feel we're a bit short," Burgess added. "We could have gone in for a similar player to Fellows that gets on the outside or cuts inside.

"We'll now have funds available in January, you'd assume, where, if we feel we're still short in that area and he's not been replaced appropriately, we can find a replacement as soon as possible."

West Bromwich Albion will hope there is no sense of transfer regret after losing Tom Fellows

As Burgess alluded to, not only have Albion lost their greatest creative spark, but there are valid concerns that those who remain at the club may not be as effective as a result of the hierarchy not sourcing a direct replacement.

The loan capture of Iling-Junior from local rivals, Aston Villa, is a smart move and one that will certainly benefit the winger's development having failed to make a competitive appearance for Unai Emery's side. However, if he is utilised in an advanced role, that has a knock-on effect involving Johnston and Wallace.

Johnston is way more effective on the left flank due to his ability to, like Fellows, cause havoc by bursting down the wing or cutting inside with the eye for a spectacular goal or inch-perfect cross, meaning his chances to do so would be limited on the opposite side.

To his credit, Wallace has started the campaign relatively well in terms of his performance levels and a goal in the 3-2 success at Wrexham, and Mason will value the club captain's qualities and leadership skills across an arduous campaign. However, it would have been beneficial for Albion to source a replacement who may not have been quite up to Fellows' standards, but one who was an upgrade on those who can also fulfill the role.