West Brom sign Falkirk striker Barney Stewart

Falkirk striker Barney Stewart has completed a transfer to West Bromwich Albion, marking a rapid rise from non-league football to the English Championship in just over 18 months. The 22-year-old forward signed a four-year contract with the Midlands club on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, after the clubs agreed on a deal reported to be worth a club-record fee for Falkirk, with potential add-ons included.

Stewart's journey to professional football is notable. Born in London and formerly on the books at Queens Park Rangers as a youth, he moved to Scotland to study at Heriot-Watt University. It was while playing for the university's team in the East of Scotland League that he was discovered by Falkirk manager John McGlynn in 2024. He joined Falkirk in October of that year.

His breakthrough season came in the 2025-26 campaign. After recovering from a broken metatarsal, Stewart spent the first half of the season on loan at Scottish second-tier side Dunfermline Athletic, where he scored eight goals in 12 games. Recalled by Falkirk in January, he went on to score nine more goals for his parent club in the Scottish Premiership, finishing the season with a combined total of 18 goals in 33...