West Bromwich Albion were delighted with Sam Mantom's progress on-loan at Walsall last season.
The Stourbridge-born star's form was closely monitored by Albion's coaches who are convinced he can make the step up into the Premier League.
"Sam's got a bright future," assistant boss Keith Downing told the Sunday Mercury. "We have always felt we needed to give him time. His physique is getting better and he is a late developer.
"We have shown patience and Sam is a very focused young boy who really does work hard every day.
"I'm very optimistic that Sam will have a very good career and working with top-class players can only help."