West Brom in transfer battle with Champions League side to land star compared to Gareth Bale

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EFL Analysis understands that West Bromwich Albion are competing with Celtic to land a Scottish Under-21 international on a free transfer.

2024/25 ended in disappointing fashion for West Brom, who spent much of the season competing for a play-off spot.

After the Baggies fell away in the top-six race, they relieved Tony Mowbray of his managerial duties.

West Brom’s hunt for a new manager is still ongoing, with Ryan Mason heavily linked with the role.

But while they are yet to land a permanent replacement for Mowbray, the club are still working behind the scenes to improve their squad.

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West Brom and Celtic battle for Josh Mulligan

The 2025 summer transfer window will officially open for Championship clubs on June 1.

Ahead of that date, we have gained an insight into the club’s summer transfer plans.

EFL Analysis understands that West Brom are competing with Celtic to land Scottish Under-21 international Josh Mulligan.

The highly rated Dundee midfielder, who can also play wing-back, is out of contract at Dens Park this summer.

Celtic are keen to land him, but The Baggies are also holding talks with the 22-year-old.

West Brom have already got their eyes on James Penrice but could add another Scot in the shape of Mulligan.

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West Brom and Celtic target Josh Mulligan compared to Gareth Bale

Born in Dundee, Mulligan came up through the club’s youth ranks, enjoying some prolific spells before becoming a regular feature in the first team.

The now 22-year-old was loaned to Peterhead during the 2021/22 season, during which time his then teammate, Simon Ferry, compared the player to Gareth Bale, as per The Courier.

Ferry said: “I don’t want to put too much pressure on him but we’ve got a boy on loan from Dundee, Josh Mulligan.

“Dundee will recall him in January. He’s a Rolls-Royce like Gareth Bale – powerful, strong, direct.

“He’s a machine at that age. He wants to learn, listens to you.”

Mulligan made 29 league appearances across 2024/25, in which he provided five assists when largely operating as a right-wing-back or central midfielder.