West Brom youngster backed to hit sky-high potential

The rangy centre-forward, 21, is a graduate of Albion's academy and is looking to progress after impressive two loans in League Two last term.

Faal, who was born in The Gambia, arrived at the club as a teen in late 2019 and made his senior debut in 2021 under Valerien Ismael, who Murray served as a deputy.

Murray, who left The Hawthorns with Ismael after the management team was dismissed early in 2022, later went on to manage sixth-tier AFC Fylde in National League North, where Faal enjoyed a prolific four-month loan.

"He was unbelievable," Murray told the Express & Star of Faal. "I had worked with him at West Brom as a young lad and we gave him his debut in the League Cup against Arsenal. He did really well and then he wasn't really getting a sniff around the first team so I took him up to Fylde.

"He was a young boy but with an amazing attitude, character and desire to succeed. Mo will choose what level he wants to play at. He's got everything to kick on and sometimes you need that little bit of a break for someone to give you an opportunity."

Faal, who is under contract until summer 2025, had a very productive campaign out on loan last season, which began with his first prolonged taste of Football League experience at Doncaster.

He netted 10 goals in 33 outings for Rovers and that form was enough to spark interest closer to home as fellow League Two side Walsall took Faal in January for the remainder of the term.

The frontman bagged a further six goals with the Saddlers as his reputation grew. It remains to be seen how Albion best see his next steps but it is likely another loan, likely in League One, will best serve development, though Albion are currently short in their forward line without any transfer business yet this summer.

Murray said of Faal's game: "(He's) An all round proper number nine that people think just because he's tall, that he's simply a flick it on and get in the box guy, but he has got an unbelievable ability with his feet. His link up play is great, technically he is very good and he's another one who will no doubt shine again."

Faal was handed his Albion league bow by boss Carlos Corberan in April 2023 as a late substitute at home to Sunderland, which remains his only Championship appearance.