West Brom target Kareem Tunde: What's been said about former Barcelona speedster

Albion are working on a deal to bring Levante prospect Kareem Tunde from Levante to The Hawthorns.

The 21-year-old winger burst on to the first-team scene with his club from last Christmas and played a role as the Valencian club dramatically achieved La Liga safety on goal difference on the final day in their first season back in the top flight.

It is claimed in Spain that Levante are looking for in excess of £4million, plus a sell-on percentage, for their academy product. The deal will be staggered, with suggestion of around £2.5m up front. The player was said to have travelled to England on Tuesday.

But who is Tunde and what can he bring to The Hawthorns?

Subscribe now for HALF PRICE and catch every minute of our Albion coverage this season - from pre-season to the final whistle. CLICK HERE

Profile

Spanish football reporter Salva Gomis, of Á Punt, told the Express & Star that the wideman, who was born in Catalonia and has Espanyol and Barcelona on his CV as a youth player, is an extremely quick, versatile option.

Gomis said: “Kareem Tunde is a winger who has even played as a full-back.

“He usually develops his game down the right wing, where he offers width. But he can easily play on the other wing because he likes to cut inside.

“He has the ability to beat defenders and deliver crosses.

“Kareem is very fast, which may also help him playing as a wing-back in a five-man defence.”

Tunde made his senior debut for Levante on December 20 and only made his first start on January 4. Seventeen of 22 La Liga outings - including one this season - have been as a starter for the club battling relegation last term. Tellingly, December 20 was the same day Levante appointed Portuguese head coach Luis Castro.

The youngster is yet to score a senior goal, but got an important assist to his name in the key win over Real Oviedo in March, around the time he was rewarded with a new three-year contract.

Journalist Gomis added: “In my opinion he lacks goals and needs to improve his decision-making.”

The fact left-footed Tunde is capable of playing on either flank will interest Baggies boss James Morrison and club chiefs, while the ability to also operate at right-back, or wing-back, is very useful, given the minimal depth beyond Albion new boy Nolan Galves.

Tunde was born to a Spanish mother and Nigerian father and representatives of the winger were quoted earlier in the year suggesting he would be open to senior international football with Nigeria.

Background

Tunde moved around until later in his teen years. He began as a schoolboy on the books of fourth tier outfit Sant Andreu before a move to the Catalan city’s second club Espanyol in 2014, aged just nine.

The big move to Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy came in 2017 and Tunde spent three years with the global giants.

A move to CF Damm followed in 2020, a regional club known for its focus on youth football.

The spell with Damm helped prepare Tunde for a move away from his home and down to the Valencian region to Levante, whose first team had just been relegated to the Segunda Division.

A reserve debut came in January 2024 before a contract agreement until 2026. But Tunde rose to prominence at the end of 2025 and a long-term deal followed to secure his value, with clubs including Albion watching on.

The winger, popular for his pace, creativity and work rate, started for Levante in defeats at Real Madrid’s Bernabau and Nou Camp, home of Barcelona, in January and February.

An adductor (groin) injury flared up on a couple of occasions in the spring, which slightly limited Tunde’s minutes after his breakthrough in the new year.

What’s been said?

Tunde admitted his La Liga debut last Christmas was a “dream”, but is focused on achieving more. He said in February: “It has changed very quickly, but it has been a matter of hard work.

“I focus on enjoying this experience, continuing to work, and staying true to myself.

“It’s a moment you always dream of since you’re a child. When I stepped onto the field, I tried to be myself, which is what my teammates and the coaching staff encouraged me to do.

“You always work to get there. In my case, it came sooner than I could have expected, but you always have to be ready for that opportunity and make the most of it. You have to hold on tight.”

The winger said prior to a key victory over Sevilla in April: “I'm very happy, to be honest. When a player has consistent playing time, he's always happy.

“I know the goals will come. Right now, my focus is on the team, on being united with the squad and achieving our objective, and the rest will follow.

“In the end, I gain more confidence with each match. The jump in level is quite big, but thanks to my teammates and the coach, I'm gaining confidence.

“It's much easier when you have consistent playing time. It's about working day after day, being consistent, and not giving up.”