West Bromwich Albion are set to make former Derby County goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith their third signing of the summer transfer window, according to a recent report.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper has been a free agent since June 30 after failing to agree a new contract with Derby. Wildsmith played an instrumental role in helping the Rams secure promotion to the Championship, keeping an impressive 20 clean sheets and conceding just 31 times in 40 League One matches last term.
The campaign before that was nearly as splendid as Wildsmith preserved 17 shut-outs and let in 46 goals in 46 games. The consistent game time came as a welcome relief for the goalkeeper, who had acted as a backup for much of his time at Sheffield Wednesday.
TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook claims Wildsmith is set to join West Brom despite recent links with a move to Barnsley. The shot-stopper will join up with Alex Palmer and Josh Griffiths in the Albion goalkeeping department, though the signing could create a domino effect.
Griffiths, who started 10 Championship games in 2022/23 to fill in for the injured Palmer, made just three appearances across all competitions last term. The 22-year-old, very highly rated by West Brom boss Carlos Corberan, certainly won’t want to become the third choice.
A loan move away would make sense for Griffiths, or perhaps even a permanent transfer if the right opportunity surfaces. Something is likely already bubbling away otherwise West Brom probably wouldn’t be signing Wildsmith. After all, it would be a shame to see such a talented young ‘keeper go to waste.
