WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 01: Semi Ajayi of West Bromwich Albion(R) celebrates after scoring his sides second goal with his team mates during the Sky Bet Championship match between West Bromwich Albion and Luton Town at The Hawthorns on February 01, 2020 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
West Brom recruited midfielder Alex Mowatt in the summer of 2021, bringing him in from Barnsley after a successful spell there.
Mowatt came through the Leeds United youth system, but it was at Barnsley that he truly established himself as one of the division’s best midfielders. He helped the Tykes reach the Championship play-offs before joining West Brom, where it was thought he could only improve.
The 28-year-old started consistently for the Baggies in his debut season, but both the club and the player’s campaigns fizzled out. Steve Bruce then leased Mowatt to Middlesbrough for last season, and upon his return this summer, he entered the final year of his contract with West brom.
The 28-year-old started consistently for the Baggies in his debut season, but both the club and the player’s campaigns fizzled out. Steve Bruce then leased Mowatt to Middlesbrough for last season, and upon his return this summer, he entered the final year of his contract with West Brom.
However, it appears that the Doncaster-born midfielder has reached a watershed moment. Following five minutes off the bench in his first five league appearances, Mowatt played the whole 90 minutes in last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Millwall and turned in a good effort in the centre of the park.
His predicament has become a conversation point among fans, and following his good performance, the club must begin to consider their alternatives about his contract.
Early days yet
Of course, this was Mowatt’s first appearance of the season. Turning his attention to secure his future right away may prove premature. However, if he can maintain a fine run of form and a spot in Carlos Corberan’s starting XI, a new contract should be on West Brom’s radar.
Mowatt has previously demonstrated his abilities at the Championship level. He was a true Barnsley talisman and leader. His degree of experience, paired with his work ethic and poise on the ball, might make him an important figure again, and he seemed to bring what the Baggies had been lacking in midfield over the weekend.
Time will tell if Millwall’s performance was only a fluke, as it was for Jayson Molumby and Okay Yokuslu, although there is stiff competition for a starting berth. However, Mowatt has the qualities to be an influential figure for Corberan, and if he can demonstrate his worth on a consistent basis, extending his contract should be high on West Brom’s priority list for the future.
