Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba insisted the “deep emotions and feelings” he has for West Bromwich Albion made it the “number one” place he wanted to come to.
The 19-year-old, who is capable of playing in a number of positions including on the flank, as an attacking midfielder or as a central midfielder, signed for the Baggies on loan until the end of the 2025/26 season from Aston Villa on deadline day.
Jimoh-Aloba returns to The Hawthorns having spent just under a decade in Albion’s academy between the ages of six and 15 and stressed his determination to help the club climb up the Sky Bet Championship table when speaking to WBA TV for the first time.
Jamal said: “Firstly, I want to say thank you for welcoming me back.
“This was the number one place I wanted to come because of the emotions and feelings I have towards the club. Those emotions are still in me deeply.
“This is a massive club that should be in a much better place and I want to come here and help and do the best I can.
“I was here as a kid from the age of six, so it’s a place I’m comfortable at. It’s a positive for me to come back. I can’t wait to get going.
“I first heard of Albion’s interest about two weeks ago and as soon as I heard, I just wanted to get it done.
“I’ve spoken to some of my past team-mates such as Cole Deeming and Ben Cisse, and I’ve also spoken with Samuel Iling-Junior, and they’ve all got plenty of good things to say about the club.
“I’m very aggressive going forward. I like to get forward, create chances and score goals. I like to be exciting and I’m a powerful runner when in possession of the ball.
“I’ve had a good few weeks having made my Premier League debut and getting on the scoresheet in the Europa League, so I feel very confident right now. I want to try and take that confidence into my first few games here and try and lift the team.
“I’m very determined to come here and help. I’m not scared of a challenge and I want to come back and help this club.
“It would mean a lot to me to play and make my debut on Saturday at The Hawthorns, a place I’ve been watching the first team since I was a little kid. I’d love to get out on the pitch and score some goals.
“It’s a big chance for me to improve and help the club climb up the league.”
