After harsh comments from Carlos Corberan, West Brom’s most valued star has promised to leave in January…

The boss claimed that the striker will need to work hard to deserve the opportunity to be involved with the first team, with his chances of making the bench in a fully fit squad looking slim.

Cleary was included on the bench for the Championship clash with Coventry, but the return of Josh Maja and eventually Daryl Dike could leave him struggling for opportunities.

Corberan told the Express & Star on November 20th, “If you have a need for them, you will use them.” Every academy player will have to earn the opportunity.

“He must rediscover his level because his long-term injury requires time for him to recover and be ready.” We put him on the bench at Coventry.

“Only once have we considered that he is ahead of other players; he might be on the bench with the first team.”
These statements indicate that Cleary still has a long way to go before breaking into the first team, especially as other players in his position regain fitness, and that the best option for him may be to go out on loan.

The 19-year-old suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out for six months prior to his appearance on the bench against Coventry, and a loan move away may provide him with the opportunity to rediscover his fitness and form.

Former Baggies striker Kevin Campbell told West Brom News [7 June] that he doesn’t feel Cleary is ready to become a star for the club and suggested that a loan deal would suit him better after he made his senior debut in August 2022.
Cleary has shown he could be a potential star for the future at The Hawthorns, with 16 goals and three assists from 12 U21 appearances last season before his recent injury halted his progress and game time.

He is, however, still very highly rated by the club, as shown by his involvement against Coventry, even if he wasn’t handed any minutes. Given the level of competition, once players reach full fitness, a January loan deal could provide the best option.