Taking to Instagram, Shakpoke expressed his excitement after joining the Baggies on a one-year deal following a successful trial period, to which his former Villa teammate shared his well-wishes.
The 19-year-old striker spent three years at the Baggies’ rivals and shared a pitch with O’Reilly but now makes the permanent switch to the Hawthorns.
Missed
Shakpoke received plenty of well-wishes as he made the switch to West Brom, suggesting that he is a well-liked and friendly face to have in a squad.
He is also a rare example of an Aston Villa youngster moving to the Baggies. Recent examples, including Tim Iroegbunam and Finn Azaz, showed the Villans’ strength in taking West Brom’s best young players.
Now Shakpoke has done the opposite. While there are concerns about his injury record, he could prove a valuable prospect for the Baggies if he can show what he’s made of.
While his football and injury issues can often be out of his control, his personality and suitability for the squad are within his control. By all accounts, Shakpoke is a pleasant character to have in a squad.
Academy Manager Richard Stevens was full of praise for the forward when he signed, stating (24 August): “He’s a great boy, is really humble, has come in and really embraced what Albion is all about and he’s really buying into the work we’ve been doing with him since he’s joined us.”
Elsewhere, a host of young Aston Villa stars, including O’Reilly, have shared their support and congratulations to the teenager.
Rivalries have been put aside as Shakpoke looks set to begin the newest chapter in his young football career.
