West Brom defender Jack Fitzwater has left the club to join Walsall on a temporary deal.
The 20-year-old will join the Saddlers on a season-long loan deal, after spending the second half of last season on loan at The Banks’ Stadium.
The League One side announced the news of Fitzwater’s signing on their official Twitter account.
?? We are delighted to announce the return of centre-back Jack Fitzwater on a season-long loan deal from West Brom!
? https://t.co/ljY9iqz7Dg pic.twitter.com/Ybyl2kQMAR
— Walsall FC Official (@WFCOfficial) August 3, 2018
The central defender, who stands at 6ft 2in (source: Transfermarkt) signed a new two-year deal with the Baggies in June but will now be loaned out in order to get some first team experience.
OPINION
Jack Fitzwater is a talented young defender who is highly rated at The Hawthorns and was given a new deal this summer, Baggies fans will hope that he can gain more experience on loan in League One and then return and challenge for a first-team spot on his return. It was thought that the 20-year-old might have been involved in the Championship side’s senior squad this season, with the Albion looking short in the central defensive area. The news of Fitzwater’s temporary departure might indicate an imminent arrival, as the club surely wouldn’t let him leave without first securing a defensive replacement. With rumours flying around about defensive duo Craig Dawson and Ahmed Hegazi possibly leaving this summer, and with Jonny Evans and Gareth McAuley already gone, the club must have a few irons in the fire. If not, they could be left short in numbers in their defensive unit next season.