How West Brom felt about losing Tom Fellows to Championship rivals Southampton

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West Brom bid farewell to their promising winger Tom Fellows in a deal worth £10 million, as Southampton signed the England underage star.

The Saints made two statement signings in the shape of Tom Fellows and Finn Azaz, signing the players from their Championship rivals West Brom and Middlesbrough, respectively.

It was a signal of intent by Southampton, while West Brom fans will be wondering why the Baggies sanctioned the deal, as they may have believed they could have got a higher fee for such a coveted player.

West Brom are looking to be challenging for promotion this year under new manager Ryan Mason; however, the decision to allow Fellows to leave may hinder this in the long run, due to the unforgiving nature of the Championship.

• READ MORE: Sheffield United star made ‘selfish’ decision in move to Bramall Lane which ‘was best’ for his international career

West Brom’s thoughts on Tom Fellows’ departure

No club ever wants to lose a key player to a rival; look at the fan reaction from Norwich City after Marcelino Nunez made his way to Ipswich Town. However, sometimes it is necessary for the benefit of the club.

As per information from our chief football correspondent, Graeme Bailey, EFL Analysis understands West Brom had a feeling Fellows would depart the club, if not for Southampton, then for another club.

He said: “It’s not ideal, obviously, especially losing them to a fellow Championship side. A lot of these Championship teams, even the ones who can spend a little bit like West Brom, it’s not ideal losing him so late in the window.

“But it is one that West Brom thought was coming. Could they have done more after that? Possibly. But it’s just one of those things. It was always going to be unlikely that they were able to keep him.”

• READ MORE: Marcelino Nunez’s heartwarming reason for wanting to leave Norwich City for Ipswich Town

How Ryan Mason can deal with the loss of Tom Fellows

West Brom made moves quickly after the departure of Tom Fellows to secure a replacement, as they signed Samuel Iling-Junior from Aston Villa on loan for the season.

Meanwhile, Ryan Mason has already spoken about how important it was to keep hold of Mikey Johnston this summer because the manager believes he could have an important role to play this season.

Johnston is a creative and dangerous winger, and if Mason can get the best out of him, fans may quickly forget about Fellows.

There will also be a hope that Isaac Price can continue his incredible start to the campaign to cover for the loss of Tom Fellows to Southampton, with the former Baggie making it clear why he left the club.