West Bromwich Albion have secured the futures of four promising academy players by awarding them their first professional contracts. The club announced on Tuesday that forward Harry French, defenders George Shaw and Antonio Perkins, and goalkeeper Maxwell Moses have all signed two-year deals running until June 2028.
Harry French
The forward has impressed with 23 goals and ten assists for the under-17 and under-18 sides. Originally from Newton Abbot in Devon, French joined Albion in 2025 after spells with non-league clubs, making his senior debut for Tavistock at age 15. Interestingly, he began his youth career as a goalkeeper before transitioning to a forward. He also scored in the FA Youth Cup this season during a 4-3 win over Bournemouth.
Academy manager Richard Stevens said: “Harry’s journey is different to many academy boys – playing men’s football when he was 15 in the south west and that experience of the senior game has certainly given him an edge. As we’ve seen this year, he’s a clever footballer, knows how to score goals, and we hope this period will allow him to reach the level required to progress.”
George Shaw
Shaw, a left-footed central defender from Hagley, joined Albion from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer after an eight-year stint at Molineux. Despite being a first-year scholar, he stepped up to the PL2 side this season and scored three times for the under-18s.
Stevens commented: “His performances since he’s come in have been of a high level, in both the 18s and 21s. It’s fully right we made George this offer to settle him down and let him develop over this new contract.”
Antonio Perkins
Perkins, a defender from Dudley, has already earned international caps for Cyprus under-19s. He joined Albion at age 13 and has excelled for the under-18s and PL2 side.
Stevens noted: “He’s had to work hard on the footballing aspects of his game, but his ability to defend the box, awareness of space, aggression, and leadership qualities catch people’s eyes. Whether with the 21s or training with the first team, he’s a competitor and leader who can take these next years anywhere he wants.”
Maxwell Moses
Goalkeeper Moses, who has represented England at under-16 and under-17 levels, has made 20 appearances for the under-18s and four for the PL2 side. Born in London but raised in Worcester, he joined Albion from Worcester Colts and has been at the club for ten years.
Stevens said: “He loves his football and Albion as a club. His experience with England youth teams has helped him reach this milestone. Max is an athletic, powerful shot-stopper who will benefit from the programme in the years to come.”
Inspiration and Motivation
Academy manager Stevens revealed the club acted early to offer these contracts, aiming to motivate other academy players. He said: “I really like the current under-17 and 18 age groups. We’ve gone early with offering first-years pro contracts, but the rest are performing at a high level. These boys should be an inspiration for others to join them.”
