West Brom strike transfer exit agreement with non-league club for hot prospect

Southern Premier Central League club Alvechurch have reached an agreement to take West Brom prospect Ben Cisse on a short-term loan deal.

The promising young goalkeeper is set to get his first taste of senior football having progressed up the ranks through Albion’s academy. Cisse has represented England between the under-15 and under-20 age groups and is seen as a promising talent for the future.

Still just 19 years of age with his 20th birthday in September, Cisse has plenty of time to reach his potential. It often takes goalkeepers longer to enter their prime years, too, so this could be the first loan of many to get Cisse up to speed in senior football.

Cisse joins up with fellow Baggies academy graduate Ronnie Hollingshead - who has been a regular between the sticks for the Church during his loan this term - at Lye Meadow. The pair will compete for a place between the sticks.

As it’s only a one-month loan and Hollingshead is on international duty with the Wales under-21 setup, Cisse is perhaps likelier to start the next set of fixtures. Alvechurch have a busy few weeks ahead starting with the hosting of Kettering Town tonight (March 18) and following on with games against Leiston, AFC Sudbury and Stourbridge before the end of the month.

Alvechurch, currently 11th out of 22 teams in the Southern Premier Central League, have conceded the second-fewest goals (34 in 33 games) in the entire division thanks to Hollingshead’s involvement. Cisse will now be eager to achieve similar success.

West Brom utilising loans effectively

Cisse and Hollingshead aren’t the only Albion under-21 players to head out on loan this season with six other academy stars benefiting from temporary moves away into the lower leagues.

Left-back Josh Shaw made seven appearances for Marine FC in the National League North earlier this campaign, whereas right-back Alex Williams spent two months building experience at Stratford Town in the Southern Premier Central League. Defensive midfielder Souleyman Mandey had two months in the same division with Stourbridge.

Meanwhile, midfielder Matt Richards spent four months on loan at Alvechurch before earning a step up to Leamington in the National League North, where he has played twice so far. Playmaker Fenton Heard also spent some time in the sixth tier as he was loaned to Rushall between October and November.

The highest profile player of the bunch, Reyes Cleary, is currently at Hartlepool in the National League after returning from a spell at Walsall in League Two. The centre-forward has netted twice in two games for the Pool after scoring one goal in seven appearances for the Saddlers.

Some loans may prove to be more successful than others on paper but every deal has its benefits as young players learn their craft in more physical, senior divisions. Even moving to a different area for a short period can really help develop adaptability.

In other news, Everton have reignited their interest in a West Brom star following a failed approach in February.