West Brom have stepped up preparations for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
The Baggies’ playing squad are getting used to the fresh ideas head coach Ryan Mason is looking to implement, with the Black Country outfit drawing 1-1 with Dynamo Kyiv in a behind-closed-doors friendly game in Austria.
So far during the summer transfer window, Albion have recruited two new faces to the club, with seasoned Championship defender Nat Phillips linking up at The Hawthorns, while the club recently announced the capture of Norwegian striker Aune Heggebo from Brann.
The Black Country outfit are still expected to be busy with both additions and departures as they battle P&S concerns.
With this in mind, FLW rounds-up the latest news surrounding West Brom this summer.
West Brom register interest in Jeffrey Schlupp
As per a report from Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, West Brom are considering a move for free agent Jeffrey Schlupp.
The 32-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Celtic, but has now been released by Crystal Palace after eight years at Selhurst Park.
The report states that Ryan Mason sees Schlupp as a key addition due to his experience and versatility.
The Ghanaian possesses the ability to occupy a place in central midfield, as well as left-back – two key areas that Albion will be aiming to address before their opening game of the 2025-26 season against Blackburn Rovers.
Alex Mowatt reflects
West Brom midfielder Alex Mowatt has offered positive words on Ryan Mason’s early stages as Baggies boss, admitting to being taken aback by the clarity and tone of the 34-year-old.
As reported by the Express & Star, Mowatt said: “I remember all of us walking out and all of the lads were very excited with the way he was describing how he wants to play, how training’s going to be – it’s going to be tough.
“He wants us to be all together as a team, working hard for each other, the lads came out and everyone said how well he spoke. Maybe there wasn’t an expectation he’d speak so well, it’s an exciting one.”
Mowatt added: “Obviously you respect the manager straight away, but when he comes and speaks so well and so clearly about what he wants then it definitely helps us players.
“He drives the session. He’s on to people for sloppy passes, stuff like that. It will definitely help us, we need that. We’ll be better for it.”
West Brom youngster set to complete Lecce transfer switch
It’s a move that has been rumoured for a number of weeks now, but Baggies teenager Divine Onyemachi looks set to sign for a new club.
The 17-year-old was offered a new contract with Albion, having had a prolific season at under-18’s level for West Brom, with 11 goals scored in 21 appearances, but the club never received a response.
Instead, as per the BBC’s Nizaar Kinsella, Onyemachi will sign a bumper five-year deal with Italian Serie A outfit Lecce, where he sees a clearer path to first-team football away from The Hawthorns.
Lee Hendrie offers reaction to Mikey Johnston, Flamengo deal collapse
Speaking exclusively to Football League World, former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie still believes Mikey Johnston will leave West Brom, despite his move to Brazilian giants Flamengo stalling.
The Republic of Ireland international’s proposed £5 million move for Flamengo broke down due to the club finding a better option as well as having concerns about the lack of Brazilian players in the squad. Johnston is now in Austria for pre-season training with Albion.
Hendrie said: “I think West Bromwich Albion are a side that can certainly attract players in the calibre of the likes of Mikey Johnston.
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