Carter Pinnington joins West Brom from Liverpool

Carter Pinnington leaves Liverpool to sign for West Brom. The 19-year-old centre‑back completed his move after West Brom beat significant competition for his signature. Pinnington has been part of Liverpool’s academy since the age of seven. He made his Under‑18 debut at 16 and quickly progressed to the Under‑21 side. In the 2025‑26 season he logged 19 Premier League 2 appearances with an 86.5 percent passing accuracy. Liverpool involved Pinnington in first‑team training and named him in a Carabao Cup matchday squad at Anfield. Senior opportunities, however, remained limited. Stoke City attempted to sign the defender during the January window, but Liverpool rejected the bids. Multiple loan proposals were also turned down as the club sought to retain him. Lewis Bower reported on social media that a Premier League club with European competition came close to securing Pinnington. Bower noted that the player was set to join West Brom after the rejected bids. West Brom convinced Pinnington that The Hawthorns offered the best environment for regular senior football. The Championship’s physical demands and schedule provide a testing ground for emerging talent. James Morrison’s side aim to blend immediate competitiveness with long‑term planning, and Pinnington fits that strategy. Supporters will be encouraged by the profile of the arriving defender. Pinnington’s departure highlights the limited first‑team chances for academy prospects at elite clubs. West Brom may have secured one of the most promising young English defenders.