Walsall ended their long hunt for a new centre-forward with the arrival of Reyes Cleary on a season-long loan from Albion.
The 20-year-old, whose impressive goal-scoring exploits during his junior level had caught the attention of top officials, is set to start his first loan at Bescot.
Additionally, Walsall writer George Bennett spoke with Albion correspondent Lewis Cox to have an inside look at the newest member of the Saddlers.
A promising young individual. He has spent the last three to four seasons with the under-21 team. To be honest, this loan should have happened a year ago and would have if not for an injury. It comes at the perfect time for him.
The most recent appearance for Cleary, who has already played in seven senior games for the Baggies, came in the Carabao Cup against Fleetwood Town.
The youthful striker scored 19 goals in the 2022–2023 season for West Brom’s Under-21 squad, demonstrating his stellar performance in that league.
In the previous campaign, Cleary made five additional first team appearances, two of which came in the Championship. He also received a call-up to the England Under-19 squad, where he played for the Three Lions against Iceland and Turkey.
Following his contract extension with West Brom earlier in the summer, Cleary is now excited to establish himself with Walsall in League Two.
“I’m excited to come in, get on the pitch, and help the club get to where it wants to be,” Cleary said when discussing the move. After speaking with my buddy Mo Faal, who had had success with loans here, I decided that I wanted to come here immediately.
“Playing Premier League 2 is good, but I need to start playing against men in real football because that’s the only way I’m going to get better, so I can’t wait to get going,” he continued.
Mat Sadler, the head coach of Walsall, expressed his enthusiasm over the new recruit.
Reyes is a welcome addition to the club, Sadler said.
“He’s a player who, a full year ago, after his successful season in Premier League 2, was chased by every club in the division above.”
“He’s a very good finisher, very direct, wants to get at people, and he gives us an alternative attacking outlet,” Sadler went on. I’m excited to watch him play since he’s different from what we have thus far.
