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Harry Whitwell's West Brom summer U-turn revealed as James Morrison influence explained
Harry Whitwell and West Brom boss James Morrison
Harry Whitwell and James Morrison Imago

Harry Whitwell could have left West Bromwich Albion on loan in the summer.

The right-winger started to be involved in first-team matches for Albion last season and was handed several chances to impress under James Morrison.

Baggies fans have been excited about the 20-year-old ever since he made his debut for the club in 2024, grabbing an assist in an FA Cup win over Aldershot Town.

Whitwell spent the first half of the 2025-26 campaign on loan with Forest Green Rovers in the National League before being recalled in January.

Morrison has taken a liking to the former England U21s star, who penned a new contract in September with the Black Country Club until 2029.

Whitwell has had a solid start to the season for West Brom, but it wasn't always expected to go as smoothly as it has.

Harry Whitwell's summer transfer U-turn at West Brom revealed

Whitwell earned a new contract after starting the season well, scoring and assisting in West Brom's 4-1 Carabao Cup win over Rotherham United in August.

He then started the next four games in all competitions for Albion, scoring in a 3-1 win over Burnley before being handed a new deal shortly after.

While Whitwell's form has somewhat taken a bump in the road, he still remains in Morrison's plans.

However, according to the Daily Mail, there were no guarantees when the winger reported for duty in pre-season, and he was fully prepared to go out on loan again.

However, his immediate priority was to impress Morrison and Co., and that's what he did.

Whitwell is "loving" working under Morrison, and saw his time with Forest Green as an "invaluable" learning curve.

Why James Morrison has played 'significant' role for Whitwell

Morrison is said to have played a "significant" role in Whitwell's development since he returned from his loan spell at Forest Green.

Though the forward only played four times after returning to the Fitlife Foods Performance Centre in January, he's already made 12 appearances this season.

Speaking on Morrison's influence, Whitwell said: "We have a really good relationship. He's provided me with a lot of chances in the first team.

"He's always given little pieces of information which have been helpful and made me see the game a bit differently.

"Maybe that’s why it’s been a bit more comfortable for me making that jump to the first team too, because I’ve worked with him before and know how he works and what he demands."

Whitwell started in West Brom's recent 1-1 draw to Preston North End in the Championship, and there have been some calls to drop the youngster.

Despite a quiet run of form in recent weeks, the Baggies fully expect Whitwell to bounce back and go on to have a successful career.

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