West Brom tie down exciting prospect to new deal
Highly-rated Alfie Maughan has marked his 17th birthday by penning professional terms with Albion.
Maughan's development has been rewarded with a two-year deal after a successful maiden term in the scholarship group, which saw the right-back provide 14 assists and help the Under-18s reach the last eight of the FA Youth Cup.
Advertisement
The defender, from Tamworth, first joined the club's youth system aged six, progressing through the development sides.
READ MORE: Championship clubs told to pay £1m for ex-Birmingham City wonderboy
READ MORE: Birmingham City have created a new role for Lukas Jutkiewicz after retirement
Capable with both left and right foot, he can cover either of the wide defensive positions and is a key attacking outlet down the flanks.
A regular set-piece taker, Maughan also featured for the U21s last season, playing a handful of matches across both Premier League 2 and National League Cup competitions.
Academy manager Richard Stevens said: 'Alfie's another boy who's been in the system since pre-academy, is Albion through and through, and loves everything about the football club.
Advertisement
'He comes in every day like it's the most important thing to him and, as a footballer, he really has developed.
'When I first came in, Alfie was in the Under-12s and even then he was a standout, but ever since he has really maintained that growth and quality throughout his schoolboy years.
'During his first year as a scholar, Alfie has continued that development. He's been excellent, impacting games with his deliveries with both feet from crosses, set-plays, moments in the final third, and that aspect is a strength of his.
'At the other end of the pitch, he's improving all of the time with his defending and is another who can take his football career as far as he can.
'This club can help him do that and it was really important we offered Alfie this contract.''
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Liverpool Risk Losing Key Star Unless Contract Talks Progress Soon
Konate Contract Talks Stall as European Giants Circle Liverpool's determination to build a competitive squad under Arne Slot this summer could be overshadowed by uncertainty surrounding one of their most important players. According to Caught Offside, Ibrahima Konate's contract negotiations have hit a significant stumbling block, and with clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, and Al-Hilal circling, the clock is ticking. Advertisement 'Konate is reportedly demanding a weekly salary of around £200,000. However, Liverpool's management appears reluctant to meet those terms. If a new deal cannot be agreed by the end of the summer, the Merseyside club is prepared to offload the player for a fee in the region of €50–60 million,' the report states. Konate's current deal runs until 2026, but Liverpool have seen what can happen when renewal talks drift. The departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Madrid for free is still fresh and has made the Anfield hierarchy cautious. Concerns Over Another High-Profile Departure While Liverpool have made significant progress in refreshing the squad this summer, losing Konate would raise questions about defensive continuity, especially following the exits of key figures in previous windows. Advertisement The club reportedly views this transfer window as the cut-off point. They either extend his deal or accept an offer that reflects his value. Photo: IMAGO Sources close to the situation told Caught Offside that Liverpool are 'concerned' about a repeat of the scenario that saw Trent Alexander-Arnold depart for Real Madrid on a free transfer. That concern is justified. At 26, Konate is entering his peak years. He's physically dominant, comfortable on the ball, and one of the few defenders in the league capable of matching elite forwards stride for stride. Value vs. Risk in Liverpool's Summer Planning Konate has become central to Liverpool's backline since his arrival, forging a strong, if at times injury-interrupted, partnership with Virgil van Dijk. Slot will want to build around that stability, not risk it. Advertisement While the club has done well in early summer dealings, selling Konate would immediately shift priorities back to the heart of defence, a position where elite replacements are both scarce and expensive. Allowing him to enter the final two years of his contract without resolution would be a dangerous gamble. There's no shortage of interest, and once a player of Konate's calibre hits the market, clubs like PSG and Bayern are unlikely to wait for a discount. Room for Compromise Still Exists Liverpool's reluctance to meet £200,000 per week reflects their commitment to financial structure, a model that has served them well under FSG. But if they're to compete for the Premier League title again, keeping players like Konate becomes about more than wage policy. Photo: IMAGO Advertisement He remains 'one of the first names on the team sheet,' Caught Offside notes, and it's hard to imagine a version of Liverpool's title tilt without him. Still, compromise is essential. Whether it's through staggered incentives, loyalty bonuses, or a shorter-term extension, the club must find a way to avoid weakening the spine of the squad right before a crucial campaign. Our View – EPL Index Analysis For Liverpool fans, this feels like a familiar and frustrating scenario. A key player, loved by the fans, important to the team, yet somehow edging toward the exit due to financial deadlock. Konate isn't just a strong centre-back, he represents Liverpool's post-Klopp future. Young enough to grow under Slot, experienced enough to lead, and passionate enough to understand the demands of Anfield. Letting him go, even for €60 million, would send the wrong message at the wrong time. Advertisement The £200k wage figure is high, yes. But in the context of today's market, where defenders of similar quality are commanding huge fees and salaries, it's not outrageous. Van Dijk won't be around forever. Neither will Alisson. Keeping the next generation intact should be priority number one. If Konate walks because of a marginal wage dispute, fans will rightly question the club's long-term vision. It's not just about keeping good players, it's about showing that Liverpool remain a destination, not a stepping stone.
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Report: Liverpool in talks for defender Van Dijk adores
Liverpool in Direct Talks for Jorrel Hato as Van Dijk's Endorsement Adds Weight Quansah Exit Sparks Defensive Search Liverpool's summer transfer window is shaping up to be more eventful than expected, particularly in defence. As Jarell Quansah edges closer to a move to Bayer Leverkusen, the Reds are already making proactive strides in identifying his replacement. While Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi remains a top target due to his Premier League experience and homegrown status, journalist Duncan Castles has revealed that Liverpool are in 'direct conversations' with Ajax over 19-year-old Jorrel Hato. Advertisement Speaking on The Transfers Podcast, Castles reported that Ajax are 'open to selling' and aware of the discussions between the clubs. Hato is attracting serious interest, with Chelsea and Arsenal also said to be monitoring the Dutch defender. However, Liverpool may have a crucial edge in the form of Virgil van Dijk. Van Dijk's Approval Carries Weight Daily Mail reporter Lewis Steele confirmed on his YouTube channel that Hato is 'definitely on the list' at Anfield and revealed Van Dijk 'absolutely adores' his young compatriot. That glowing endorsement from the Liverpool captain should not be taken lightly. If anyone knows what it takes to thrive in the Reds' defensive line, it's Van Dijk. Photo: IMAGO Not Just a Back-Up Option While Guehi might still be the priority due to his Premier League pedigree, Hato isn't just a consolation prize. He offers a different profile: younger, technically polished, and already battle-tested in European competition. Advertisement If Liverpool can move decisively, they might just steal a march on their domestic rivals – and in doing so, secure a defender Van Dijk not only rates, but reveres. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis From a Liverpool fan's perspective, this link to Jorrel Hato feels like a forward-thinking masterstroke. The loss of Quansah would undoubtedly sting, particularly after his breakout 2023–24 campaign, but replacing him with someone of Hato's pedigree and versatility could soften the blow. What stands out is the number of senior appearances Hato has already made for Ajax – 111 matches by 19 is almost unheard of, and speaks volumes about his maturity. Combine that with a sky-high pass completion rate and elite aerial metrics, and it's easy to see why Van Dijk is such a big fan. His endorsement will resonate deeply with supporters and probably with the recruitment team as well. Advertisement There's also a clear sense that Hato would suit Arne Slot's system, especially with the focus on technical ball progression and positional flexibility. A left-footed option who can play centrally, tuck into midfield or shift wide – that's a modern defender tailor-made for elite football. It's worth noting that beating Arsenal and Chelsea to Hato would also send a strong message: Liverpool are still one of the most attractive projects in Europe, even amidst change. If this deal progresses, fans will be rightly excited. This could be one for the present and the future.
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
🎥 The very best viral moments from the 2024/25 Premier League season 😂
🎥 The very best viral moments from the 2024/25 Premier League season 😂 It might not have been the most exciting of Premier League seasons, with no title race or relegation battle, but there was still plenty of memorable moments along the way. From iconic celebrations and genuine head losses to funny fans and referees' getting more than they bargained for, the 2024/25 campaign had it all in a lot of ways. Advertisement Of course, Jamie Vardy features more than once. What was your favourite of these moments? Let us know in the comments! 📸 Alex Pantling - 2025 Getty Images
