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Ryan Mason may have to say goodbye to one of his young prospects

West Bromwich Albion are reportedly set to lose one of their leading academy prospects.

The Baggies are preparing for life under new manager Ryan Mason, who is embarking on his maiden full-time role as a first-team manager.

Nat Phillips and striker Aune Heggebø have been acquired during the early stages of the summer window, as the Black Country outfit’s 2025/26 begins to take shape.

However, Mason and Co. could be dealt a blow and have one of the club’s young talents taken from their grasp.

West Brom rumoured to lose Divine Onyemachi

A host of promising Albion talents penned new deals last week but there was one key omission.

Divine Onyemachi joined the Baggies in 2023 and was offered fresh terms but has currently not signed.

The 17-year-old is a natural left winger but can play anywhere across the frontline.

Reportedly, a number of clubs across Europe have been tracking the youngster in recent months.

Lorenzo Lepore of TV Dello Sport has stated that Serie A side Leece expect to complete the signing of Onyemachi in the coming weeks.

He will go into Leece Primavera, the club's U20 side with a view to progressing into the first team picture.

Fellow Albion youngster Reyes Cleary turned down the offer of a contract extension at the club to join Barnsley.

Onyemachi has featured 46 times for the Baggies Under-18s and impressed with 22 goals and four assists in the process.

Divine Onyemachi could’ve followed Tom Fellows’ example at West Brom

West Brom have shown in recent years that they are willing to give young talent the chance to thrive in their first team once they have earned that opportunity.

Tom Fellows is a shining example of the progression players can make from the Baggies’ academy system to the main side in a relatively short period of time and the club would’ve hoped that prospects such as Onyemachi took note of that.

If the 17-year-old continued to impress, he perhaps could’ve also been given the chance to break into Mason’s squad and show what he can do in the Championship.

However, the winger has decided to move across the continent and sign for Leece, who are a top-flight outfit, presenting perhaps an even greater challenge when it comes to progressing into the first team.

The Baggies will be disappointed that an exciting young talent has left their ranks, but they can’t dwell on Onyemachi’s decision.