We are delighted to confirm our second deadline-day signing: young winger Akeel Higgins joins on loan from West Bromwich Albion until the end of the 2025/26 season, subject to EFL approval.
The 20-year-old arrives for his first loan spell in senior football and becomes City’s twelfth signing of the window.
Higgins is a versatile, attack-minded player who primarily operates out wide but is equally comfortable playing in the No.10 role. Known for his pace, energy and sharp footwork, he thrives in tight areas and offers a real threat in the final third.
Having joined West Brom’s academy as an U13, Higgins has progressed impressively through the ranks at The Hawthorns. During the 2023/24 season, he was named among the substitutes several times by then-head coach Carlos Corberán before making his senior debut in January 2024. His first taste of men’s football came as a second-half substitute in the Emirates FA Cup against Aldershot Town, following earlier bench appearances versus Plymouth Argyle, QPR, Sunderland and Swansea City.
Speaking about bringing Akeel to Devon, Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell said:
“Akeel is an exciting young player, and we’re delighted to bring him in. We have to be patient, as we’ve learned with other first loans, but he brings the pace and 1v1 threat we’ve been looking for this window.
“He’s a direct, quick player we’ve tracked for a while, and we’ll make sure he has the support he needs to settle and succeed. He’ll add real energy to the group and a different dynamic in our attack.”
Welcome to Exeter City, Akeel!
If you would like to sponsor Akeel for the 2025/26 season, please get in touch with our commercial team via: commercial@ecfc.co.uk.