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Youngsters Deal Must Be The First Of Many For West Brom – A Legend In The Making Potentially

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West Bromwich Albion fans have largely been delighted with the earlier news of a contract extension for Academy graduate Jonathan Leko.

Having started making a name for himself in our Under 23 set up in recent years, former head coach Tony Pulis gave the now 19-year-old his debut in the League Cup back in 2015 and as that season came to a close he went on to make his Premier League bow in April, with a further four showings before the season was over.

The attacker has only started three top-flight games for us but has made eleven substitute showings in the years since, along with two bench appearances in the League Cup competition.

Last season he spent the first half of the campaign out with Championship side Bristol City for experience, where he made five starts and six sub showings as he grew his experience and developed further.

With West Brom’s struggles at the end of last year, like a number of youngsters he didn’t get much of a look in but as the squad rebuilds following relegation, plenty are hoping we see far more homegrown talent in the months to come and Leko certainly falls into that bracket even if Sam Field did slightly overtake him last term.

His new and improved deal runs until the summer of 2021.

Retained and Released List for West Brom Youngsters – Click Here.

Speaking to wba.co.uk Leko was clearly hoping that new head coach Darren Moore, a man who knows him well, would certainly be open to his ambition of bagging a more regular first team spot before the end of the new campaign.

“Who else would you want in charge apart from Mooro? I’ve known him a long time and he’s a pleasure to work with. We’ve got a good relationship and he has always told me to express myself on the pitch. He will be a big influence. I’m buzzing for him that he has got the job and I can’t wait to work with him.”

Having tasted the Championship during his time on loan at the Robins he knows how difficult a schedule it is with the games coming thick and fast, but he knows that experience will only help him next term as rest and recuperation takes on new meaning.

Now to get other deals over the line hopefully, and keep a few important players in the process.

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