West Brom are battling Ipswich to sign their biggest talent since Fellows

The pace of change in the Championship is always truly amazing, as West Bromwich Albion know that more than most.

Looking back to 2023/24, for example, the Baggies reached the playoffs following a respectable fifth-placed finish, while Ipswich Town and Leicester City were automatically promoted.

Just two years on, Leicester have been relegated to League One, Ipswich are set for another bite at the Premier League cherry and West Brom have narrowly avoided relegation, following failed trials for Ryan Mason and Eric Ramsay.

With James Morrison now in charge, the Midlands side can start building again, with a major personnel change seemingly necessary at first-team level.

Of course, the struggling outfit are still looking to fill the void left by youngster Tom Fellows last year, and the sale of the 23-year-old could still cost the Baggies.

Why Fellows is still such a big mistake for the Baggies

Honored as West Brom's Young Player of the Year for both 2023/24 and 2024/25, Fellows was a shining light after coming through the youth ranks, and his absence is still being felt.

Last season, in particular, proved to be a solid year for the Birmingham-born winger, scoring four goals and registering an impressive 14 assists in the Championship, starting 35 games in total.

The undoubted creative hub at the Hawthorns, Fellows created 13 'big chances' across the board and averaged 1.4 key passes per game, an impressive return considering he only lost the ball 7.4 times per game on average, boasting an 87% pass accuracy rate.

In comparison, in 2025/26, no player has reached double figures for assists in the Baggies squad, with Mike Johnston leading the way with nine.

The former Celtic man also topped the club charts in terms of 'big chances' created (11) and key passes per game (1.6), although he betters Fellows in that latter metric.

Johnston's future is now up for debate, as the Baggies were forced to sell Fellows in an £8m deal to Southampton, in order to comply with PSR rules.

A necessary yet frustrating sale has proven, it must be said, although Morrison and co could replace the promising winger with their move this summer.

West Brom could sign their biggest talent since Fellows ahead of Ipswich

As reported earlier this week, West Brom are one of the clubs who have registered their interest in Huddersfield Town midfielder Cameron Ashia, suggesting that talks have been held over a possible move.

Ipswich, alongside the likes of Southampton and Sheffield United, are also in trouble, as are Celtic and Rangers, with Ashia looking set to be snapped up for just £500k, even after securing a 12-month contract extension.

Still only 21, the pedestrian talent is earning rave reviews following a promising, debut season in League One, with him being compared to Manchester City star Jeremy Doku at his peak.

It was not an easy road to this level even at such a young age, as Ashia was released by Derby County in 2023, not joining the Terriers until April 2024, initially in the club's 'B' team.

He should have bided his time, having started four league games in 2025/26, although there was plenty to be happy about, as is clear from the level of interest in him.

Often placed on the left side, but comfortable in the middle or on the right, Ashia is very versatile, like Fellows, while boasting an inspiring end product to match.

Indeed, from just 21 league appearances, and an average of 32 minutes per game this season, he has made the most of his chances, scoring and assisting three goals each.

That record is no match for Fellows' figures in 2023/24, as he scored and assisted seven times, after notching just two assists the previous year while on loan at League Two side Crawley Town.

She's certainly risen since then, and there's no reason why a Doku-esque Ashia can't enjoy a similar rise, there's a lot to like about her intimidating playfulness and ability to get into her favorite foodie leg.

Clubs, as they were before Fellows' exit last year, are lining up to prize the England man from Huddersfield, and the Baggies need to ensure they are at the front of the line.

Of course, the likes of Ipswich may be able to tempt Ashia with the prospect of Premier League football, however West Brom could present a clear path and perhaps more realistic game time in the second tier.

After a difficult season for the Hawthorns, this could be a really exciting deal for Morrison's side, as they look to land what could be their biggest talent from Fellows.