West Brom plotting Aston Villa transfer swoop | OneFootball

West Brom are targeting a deal with Aston Villa for George Hemmings

West Brom will be aiming to climb the Championship table next season after narrowly avoiding relegation in 2025/26.

James Morrison is now the permanent head coach at the Hawthorns after successfully guiding Albion to safety in the previous campaign.

The 40-year-old is taking on his first permanent role in management after numerous temporary stints with the Midlands outfit.

He oversaw four wins and six draws from 12 games, with one of his two defeats coming on the final day when their safety was already secured.

And the Baggies will be hoping that a number of new signings this summer can help him improve on their 20th place finish in the table.

West Brom have until September 1 to complete their remaining business before the market shuts for the rest of the calendar year, apart from signing free agents.

West Brom targeting Aston Villa youngster George Hemmings

Action Images

It has been reported by Full Throstle that West Brom are seeking a deal with Aston Villa for youngster George Hemmings.

The report claims that the Premier League side have no interest in agreeing to a permanent deal, with the midfielder signing a long-term contract in 2025.

However, Unai Emery is open to the 19-year-old going out on loan to a team in the Championship in order to gain some experience at senior level.

The youngster is not quite ready to compete for minutes for the Midlands outfit, which has opened the door for a possible move to West Brom this summer.

It’s hoped that Hemmings will be able to provide some creativity to Morrison’s midfield, with that being an area that the club wants to improve for next season.

The teenager featured twice in the Premier League last season, with Emery’s side finishing fourth in the table, coming off the bench in 4-1 and 1-0 defeats to Arsenal and Everton, respectively.

How West Brom fans feel about George Hemmings interest

Action Images

West Brom fans have reacted negatively to the prospect of signing Hemmings from Aston Villa on loan, with many urging the club to stop working with their Midlands rivals.

Ian Pearce, the head of recruitment at West Brom, has been warned that there are other clubs that the Baggies could secure loans from, having taken the likes of Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba, Lewis Dobbin and Samuel Iling Jnr in the past few years.

Albion have even been issued a wider warning against players who are competing in the Premier League 2, suggesting it’s not been a successful area of recruitment over the years.

West Brom have been urged to prioritise more experienced signings instead of another youngster.

George Hemmings loan can add depth to James Morrison’s midfield options

While there is an understandable reaction to the Hemmings links, this could still be a positive move for West Brom.

The convenience of staying near the area makes a loan move from Aston Villa to the Hawthorns an obviously appealing option at the moment, and it’s worthwhile trying to make the most of that.

While the 19-year-old may lack first team experience, he is still a highly rated youngster and he could have the potential to perform well in the Championship this year.

Given it’s a loan signing, there is relatively little risk to this kind of move, and he can provide some depth to the squad for the season ahead while gaining valuable minutes.