West Bromwich Albion have announced a last-minute deal for Aston Villa winger, Samuel Iling-Junior. The former Juventus star will add a new profile to Ryan Mason’s strong lineup.
West Brom are looking exciting so far this season, with another winger being unveiled at the Hawthorns. Aune Heggebo, Nat Phillips, Alfie Gilchrist, George Campbell, Krystian Bielik, Chris Mepham and Toby Collyer have all been brought in this summer with an impetus of defensive reinforcements.
Iling-Junior spent last season on loan with Middlesbrough and is a versatile option for Albion. As a winger and a full-back on both sides, the former Chelsea academy graduate has vast experience in Serie A at just 21 years old. Furthermore, the winger has represented England in the under-21s European Championships in 2025.
The former Bologna loanee featured 45 times for the Old Lady and has Champions League experience alongside top-flight Serie A exposure.
Andrew Nestor, West Brom’s sporting director, has said this on his latest signing for the Baggies:
“Samuel is a versatile player whose pace and quality will be a great addition.
“His ability to play on both wings fits well with the options in our squad, while he has also demonstrated his ability to adapt at full-back during his loan last season with Middlesbrough and when representing England’s under-21s during their successful Euros campaign this summer.
“Samuel comes with high level experience for a player his age, having already played last season in Serie A, the Champions League and the Championship and we are pleased that he sees the Albion as the right place to continue his development.”
Speaking on his progress so far in his career and what attributes the youngster will bring to West Brom, Iling-Junior had this to say:
“I want to get playing and I’m really excited to be here. When speaking with Ryan Mason, we spoke a lot about my best attributes which are dribbling, utilising my pace and creating opportunities for the team and adding a few goals myself. We also spoke about me enjoying myself, so we’ve had positive conversations.
“The interest has been there since the start of the window. That’s something that you think about as a player, the fact that teams want you and they’re really keen on you.”
Writer’s View
Iling-Junior is an exceptional talent at this level – with UEFA Champions League experience as well as Championship familiarity with Boro. Mason is building a team to challenge at the very top of the league and could be looking at a play-off push with these summer signings combining well with rejuvenated assets like Isaac Price and Mikey Johnston.
