Walsall are set to complete the permanent signing of midfielder George Hall from Championship newboys Birmingham City, following his successful loan stint with the club.
The 20-year-old spent last season on loan with the Saddlers in League Two and played a part in all three of their play-off matches, including their defeat at Wembley Stadium last month.
Mat Sadler’s side led the way for the vast majority of last season, before it all came crashing down from January onwards – matched with the timing of Nathan Lowe’s departure back to Stoke City.
Walsall are also keeping tabs on AFC Bournemouth forward Jonny Stuttle as a possible summer signing too.
Birmingham man set for exit
Hall’s reportedly exit to Walsall has been reported by Football League World, who claim that the midfielder is available for a ‘nominal fee’.
The 20-year-old has 12 months left on his contract at the Championship side and is highly-unlikely to be in the first-team picture at Birmingham next season.
It’s also been reported that the Blues could insert a sell-on clause into Hall’s move to Walsall, protecting them with the future in mind.
How did he fare last season?
After joining Walsall in late-August, Hall made his debut a week later during a defeat against MK Dons, but had to wait until October for his first goal contribution, which came during a 4-1 win over Grimsby Town.
Injuries took their toll on Hall throughout the 2024/25 campaign, but his individual performances have evidently done enough to convince Walsall to sign him permanently.
Across all competitions, Hall registered 20 appearances for the Saddlers, scoring three goals and providing two additional assists – bringing his total to one goal contribution every four matches, which isn’t bad considering he made several substitute appearances.
Is this a good move for all parties?
With Birmingham back in the Championship, it is highly-unlikely that Hall would be in Chris Davies’ plans moving forward and his injuries also suggest he wasn’t likely to move to League One.
The Blues have already allowed fellow midfielder Brandon Khela to leave permanently for League One side Peterborough United, suggesting the club are wanting to gain a financial boost for those not in the plans.
Hall didn’t feature as often as he’d have likely wanted for Walsall last season, but the opportunity to stay as a regular first-team player would be one that’s tough to turn down.
He also wouldn’t need to relocate given the close proximity of the two clubs and he stays in the EFL, making this a win-win for everyone.
