Exclusive: West Brom “will regret” the Caleb Taylor, Millwall transfer deal, according to a Sky Sports analyst
The 22-year-old played in both legs of the Chairboys’ play-off semi-final loss to Charlton Athletic and made 36 League One appearances during his loan stint with Wycombe Wanderers last season.
After the Lions signed Josh Coburn, Massimo Luongo, Max Crocombe, Alfie Doughty, and Zak Sturge, he became their sixth permanent acquisition of the window. Taylor made his debut against Arsenal in 2021 after graduating from the Baggies’ academy. Ryan Mason gave the centre-back permission to leave after he played 90 minutes in the League Cup during Albion’s match against Derby County earlier this season. Japhet Tanganga’s move to Sheffield United was the primary factor in Millwall’s decision to pay £2.5 million for Taylor, with Chris Mepham’s move to The Hawthorns completing the picture.
The Lions reportedly expressed interest in signing the teenage defender before the transfer market opened, and Alex Neil’s wish has finally been fulfilled. But according to Sky Sports analyst and former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie, who spoke exclusively to Football League World, West Bromwich Albion might have erred in allowing Taylor to leave the team. Hendrie told FLW, “I believe they will regret selling Caleb Taylor.” “I’m not claiming that West Brom is financially stable, but I believe that could be one of the factors contributing to their sale.
“I believe there will always be a hint of remorse when you sell your top players and your rising talent. “He is undoubtedly of genuine quality. Therefore, I do believe that this will come back to haunt them. West Brom’s choice to let Taylor go doesn’t seem smart on paper, and it is understandably subject to criticism. The teenage defender, who was born in Burnley and progressed through the academy, has been permitted to join one of the Baggies’ division rivals, which will not sit well with many of the team’s fans.
However, it could be argued that Taylor had little room to fit into the Black Country team’s back-line given Mason’s current central defensive options, which include Nat Phillips, Krystian Bielik, George Campbell, and Chris Mepham. Given his experience, Taylor would also provide the club with pure profit for PSR purposes. The center-half shown that he has what it takes to play at a higher level following such an outstanding League One campaign—something West Brom was unable to consistently give him. Thus, Taylor’s departure from The Hawthorns might have been unavoidable in the end this summer.
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