Liverpool youngster Carter Pinnington is set to complete a permanent move to West Brom in the upcoming transfer window.
Pinnington is one of the most-highly rated defenders in Liverpool’s academy, but he is to move on this summer after spending 12 years as part of the youth setup.
Football Insider tell us that West Brom “have won the race for the teenage central defender after reaching a full agreement with the player on personal terms.”
The report also explained that Pinnington “has had interest from multiple Premier League and Championship clubs in recent months.”
LONDON, ENGLAND - Friday, October 3, 2025: Liverpool's Carter Pinnington during the Premier League 2 match between Fulham FC Under-21's and Liverpool FC Under-21's at Motspur Park. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The 19-year-old should join up with fellow ex-Liverpool defender Nat Phillips, as the Baggies look to improve on their latest 21st-place finish in the second division.
Manager and ex-player James Morrison, who was appointed on a permanent basis after helping the club avoid relegation, reportedly also wants to add Chelsea youngster Jimmy-Jay Morgan to his squad.
Pinnington played 27 times for the under-21s this season, including two games in the EFL Trophy, as under-21s coach Rob Page used him as both a defender and holding midfielder.
What coach Rob Page has said about Carter Pinnington
Back in November, Page told This Is Anfield: “It’s great when you’ve got a player like Carter who can go and play as a No. 6 and then next thing he’s playing centre-back.
“He knows when to drive through the middle with the ball.
MILAN, ITALY - Tuesday, December 9, 2025: Liverpool's captain Carter Pinnington reacts at the final whistle during the UEFA Youth League match between Internazionale Milano Under-19's and Liverpool FC Under-19's at the Konami Youth Development Centre. Inter won 5-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“He’s athletic, he’s quick, he’s got all the attributes to be a top player. It’s important now that we continue to help his development and find that pathway for him.
“When you’ve got his ability and experience, he definitely adds value to the team when he plays.
“His attitude is second to none, so when you’ve got an attitude like that and a willingness to work, you’ve got a chance.
“He’s a great lad to work with every day, he’s always got a smile on his face, he wants to get better and that’s the foundation you need to be a top player.
“He’s very similar to a lad called Ethan Ampadu I used to work with, who’s now at Leeds. I used to play him centre-back or in midfield and he’s very similar to Ethan.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Sunday, March 1, 2026: Liverpool's Prince Cissé (L) celebrates with team-mate Carter Pinnington after scoring his side's second goal during the Premier League 2 match between Liverpool FC Under-21's and Tottenham Hotspur FC Under-21's at the Liverpool Academy. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“I think if you’ve got another string to your bow and you can play in a multitude of positions, it adds value absolutely.”
Pinnington signed his first professional contract at Liverpool in 2024 and made the bench on one occasion: this season’s 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.
It will be a shame to see Pinnington depart; he may have seen Liverpool’s new crop of young centre-backs as a barrier to his progression to the first team.
Mor Talla Ndiaye and Noah Adekoya both arrived in January, while the promising 6’5″ 18-year-old, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, is to join from Austria Vienna this summer.
With some luck, Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet should also be quality, long-term options for Liverpool.