West Brom target 'closing in' on season-long loan after Championship relegation

Huddersfield Town winger Sorba Thomas is reportedly nearing a season-long loan transfer to French Ligue 1 side Nantes, despite interest from West Brom.

The eight-time Wales international still has two years left on his contract at John Smith’s Stadium but is keen to move on - at least for this season - following the Terriers’ disappointing relegation from the Championship to League One.

Albion were reportedly eager to snap up Thomas on a permanent deal but were concerned by Huddersfield’s multi-million-pound valuation. Nantes have taken advantage of the hesitancy, reports L’Equipe, reaching an agreement with the Terriers to sign Thomas on loan.

The 25-year-old scored four goals and assisted a further nine in 41 Championship appearances last campaign, bettering his return of zero goals and eight assists in 40 matches the season previous. Half of the 2022/23 term was spent on loan at Blackburn Rovers, but the move to Ewood Park was an unsuccessful one.

It’s hoped Thomas can enjoy a better temporary switch away with a fresh challenge in France. Capable of playing as a right winger, left winger or centre-forward, the former Boreham Wood man should be a decent rotation option for Nantes – and some decent form could even earn regular starts.

Thomas will link up with the likes of Mostafa Mohamed, Matthis Abline, Ignatius Ganago and Moses Simon in the Nantes front line. Other players on the French club’s books include goalkeeper Alban Lafont, central midfielder Douglas Augusto and centre-back Nathan Zeze.