West Brom hold on Fellows as Southampton circle

Southampton shows late interest in Tom Fellows as West Brom weigh how to respond to budget constraints and a looming transfer deadline.

West Brom brace for late transfer twists Southampton circle Fellows

West Bromwich Albion will be readying for their 2025-26 Championship opener against Blackburn Rovers. The club closed pre-season with a 3-2 win over Rayo Vallecano at The Hawthorns, a period that saw Ryan Mason oversee one win, one draw and two defeats. So far this summer, Albion have signed three players, but budget constraints and Profit and Sustainability rules have kept spending modest.

Tom Fellows remains at The Hawthorns as of writing, even as Southampton reportedly weigh a late swoop. The potential sale would be a major decision for a team already juggling recruitment plans and a tight calendar. Everton had been linked with Fellows previously, but reports now suggest they are pursuing Tyler Dibling instead, while Southampton could target Fellows as a direct alternative. West Brom are expected to demand a big fee for Fellows, reflecting his role in Mason’s plans and his status as a top asset in the squad.

A reported sale of Torbjorn Heggem to Bologna for around £10 million could relieve some financial pressure, but it would also remove a key option from the defense and squad depth. With time running short before the window closes, the club faces pressure to replace any outgoing players while avoiding a drop in quality. Fans and staff will be watching closely to see whether the club can secure suitable reinforcements or risk leaving gaping holes as the new campaign begins.

The situation at West Brom shows how clubs must balance ambition with financial reality. A late sale could fund new signings, but it may also derail the manager’s tactical plan if key outlets and pace on the flanks depart. The developing links to Fellows create a domino effect with Southampton and Everton, illustrating how market dynamics push the window toward a final act that combines urgency with uncertainty. If the club allows sentiment or short-term gain to drive exits, it could undermine the long-term goal of a promotion push and damage trust among supporters.

Highlights

How West Brom navigates this moment could redefine the club’s path this season.