Premier League strugglers West Bromwich Albion allowed Donervon Daniels to leave for Wigan Athletic but now clubs, like Sunderland, want him.
West Bromwich Albion boast one of the most prosperous academies in English football. The problem, however, is that most of their highly-rated youngsters have been forced to move elsehwere in order to showcase their talents.
Chris Wood returned to the Premier League with Burnley in the summer for £15 million via a prolific spell at Leeds United. Kemar Roofe, meanwhile, is also making a positive impression at Elland Road while Romaine Sawyers has established himself as one of the most stylish midfielders outside of the top flight during his time at Brentford.
New Zealander Wood, who enjoyed a fine start to life at Burnley before suffering an injury, looks increasingly like one that got away with the shot-shy Baggies bottom of the Premier League. And you could make a case that Sawyers deserved a chance, too.
So with Donervon Daniels out of contract this summer, should the Baggies bite the bullet and consider giving the 24-year-old defender a second chance at The Hawthorns?
Daniels was once one of the most exciting youngsters in West Brom’s academy, captaining the under-21 side and winning the club’s 2012 Young Player of the Year award. He signed for Wigan Athletic just three years later, however, and is currently impressing during a loan spell at Rochdale designed to boost his fitness after a prolonged spell on the sidelines.
The Black Cats clearly need defenders and, with Daniels available for free, this obviously appeals to a cash-strapped club. If Sunderland stay up, expect them to go all out for the defender this summer.
But West Brom could need defenders too with doubts surrounding Jonny Evans’ future and retirement creeping up on Gareth McAuley. Daniels, then, may be worthy of a second chance.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
