West Bromwich Albion FC Squad 2024/25
Introduction
West Bromwich Albion FC, a historic club with a rich tradition in English football, enters the 2024/25 season with a squad brimming with talent, ambition, and a mix of experienced veterans and promising youngsters. After a period of rebuilding and strategic recruitment, the Baggies are poised to make a significant impact in the Championship, with aspirations of securing promotion to the Premier League. This season’s squad reflects a careful balance of defensive solidity, midfield creativity, and attacking firepower, with each player bringing unique qualities to the team. Below, we delve into the detailed breakdown of the squad, examining the goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards who will don the famous blue and white stripes in the upcoming campaign.
Goalkeepers
- Alex Palmer
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Kidderminster Harriers (loan), Plymouth Argyle (loan), Lincoln City (loan)
- Transfer Fee: Academy Graduate
Alex Palmer has established himself as West Brom’s first-choice goalkeeper after years of development and loan spells. A product of the club’s academy, Palmer’s shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the box have earned him plaudits. Standing at 6’5”, he dominates aerial duels and has a knack for making crucial saves in high-pressure situations. His distribution has improved significantly, making him a key component in building attacks from the back. Palmer’s consistency and leadership have made him a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the team.
- Josh Griffiths
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Cheltenham Town (loan), Lincoln City (loan), Portsmouth (loan)
- Transfer Fee: Academy Graduate
Josh Griffiths is a highly-rated young goalkeeper who has gained valuable experience through loan spells in League One and League Two. Known for his reflexes and ability to perform in one-on-one situations, Griffiths provides strong competition for Palmer. At just 23 years old, he has already shown maturity beyond his years and is seen as a future star for both club and country. His loan stints have honed his skills, and he is ready to challenge for the starting spot.
- David Button
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Fulham, Brighton & Hove Albion, Birmingham City
- Transfer Fee: Free Transfer (2020)
David Button brings a wealth of experience to the squad as the third-choice goalkeeper. A reliable backup, Button has featured in both the Premier League and Championship, offering stability and professionalism. While not as agile as his younger counterparts, his understanding of the game and leadership in the dressing room make him an invaluable member of the squad. Button’s role is primarily to mentor the younger keepers and step in when called upon.
Defenders
- Dara O’Shea
- Nationality: Irish
- Former Clubs: Hereford United (loan), Exeter City (loan)
- Transfer Fee: Academy Graduate
Dara O’Shea has emerged as one of West Brom’s most consistent performers in defense. The Irish international is a versatile defender capable of playing as a center-back or right-back. His aerial prowess, tackling ability, and composure on the ball make him a vital asset. O’Shea’s leadership qualities have also seen him wear the captain’s armband on occasion. At 25, he is entering his prime and is a key figure in the team’s defensive setup.
- Semi Ajayi
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Former Clubs: Rotherham United, Cardiff City
- Transfer Fee: £1.5 million (2019)
Semi Ajayi is a physically imposing center-back known for his strength and ability to read the game. The Nigerian international has been a mainstay in West Brom’s defense since joining from Rotherham. His athleticism allows him to cover ground quickly, and he is a threat from set-pieces, often contributing with crucial goals. Ajayi’s experience and consistency make him a reliable option at the heart of the defense.
- Cedric Kipre
- Nationality: Ivorian
- Former Clubs: Leicester City, Motherwell, Wigan Athletic
- Transfer Fee: £900,000 (2020)
Cedric Kipre has developed into a dependable defender since joining from Wigan. The Ivorian’s physicality and ability to win duels make him a tough opponent for any striker. Kipre has also improved his ball-playing skills, making him a well-rounded center-back. His partnership with Ajayi and O’Shea provides West Brom with a solid defensive foundation.
- Conor Townsend
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Scunthorpe United, Grimsby Town
- Transfer Fee: £750,000 (2018)
Conor Townsend is the club’s first-choice left-back, known for his energy and attacking contributions. The Englishman is a reliable defender who also excels in overlapping runs and delivering crosses into the box. Townsend’s work rate and consistency have made him a fan favorite, and he remains a key part of the team’s defensive and offensive strategies.
- Darnell Furlong
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Queens Park Rangers, Swindon Town (loan), Cambridge United (loan)
- Transfer Fee: £1.5 million (2019)
Darnell Furlong is a dynamic right-back who combines defensive solidity with attacking flair. His pace and crossing ability make him a constant threat down the flank. Furlong’s versatility allows him to play as a wing-back or in a more traditional defensive role. His experience in the Championship and Premier League adds valuable depth to the squad.
- Kyle Bartley
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Arsenal, Swansea City, Birmingham City (loan)
- Transfer Fee: £4 million (2018)
Kyle Bartley is an experienced center-back who provides leadership and physicality. While not as mobile as some of his teammates, Bartley’s positioning and aerial ability make him a reliable option. His presence in the squad adds depth and experience, particularly in high-stakes matches.
- Erik Pieters
- Nationality: Dutch
- Former Clubs: PSV Eindhoven, Stoke City, Burnley
- Transfer Fee: Free Transfer (2022)
Erik Pieters is a versatile defender capable of playing at left-back or center-back. The Dutchman’s experience in top-flight football across Europe brings a wealth of knowledge to the squad. Pieters is a steady presence who can be relied upon to deliver consistent performances.
Midfielders
- Jayson Molumby
- Nationality: Irish
- Former Clubs: Brighton & Hove Albion, Millwall (loan)
- Transfer Fee: £900,000 (2022)
Jayson Molumby is a tenacious midfielder known for his work rate and energy. The Irish international covers every blade of grass, breaking up play and driving the team forward. His leadership qualities have seen him captain the side on occasion, and he is a key figure in the midfield.
- Okay Yokuslu
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: Celta Vigo, Trabzonspor
- Transfer Fee: Free Transfer (2023)
Okay Yokuslu is a defensive midfielder who excels in shielding the backline and distributing the ball. The Turkish international’s physical presence and tactical awareness make him a vital cog in the team’s engine room. His experience in La Liga and the Premier League adds a touch of class to the midfield.
- John Swift
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Chelsea, Reading
- Transfer Fee: Free Transfer (2022)
John Swift is a creative midfielder with an eye for goal. The Englishman’s ability to pick out a pass and score from distance makes him a constant threat. Swift’s set-piece delivery is also a valuable asset, contributing to both goals and assists.
- Taylor Gardner-Hickman
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: None (Academy Graduate)
- Transfer Fee: Academy Graduate
Taylor Gardner-Hickman is a versatile midfielder who can also play at right-back. The academy graduate is known for his technical ability and composure on the ball. At just 22, he has a bright future ahead and is already making a significant impact in the first team.
- Nathaniel Chalobah
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Chelsea, Watford, Fulham
- Transfer Fee: Free Transfer (2023)
Nathaniel Chalobah is a seasoned midfielder with Premier League experience. His ability to control the tempo of the game and break up play makes him a valuable squad member. Chalobah’s leadership and experience are crucial in high-pressure situations.
Forwards
- Brandon Thomas-Asante
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Salford City
- Transfer Fee: £300,000 (2022)
Brandon Thomas-Asante is a dynamic forward known for his pace and finishing ability. The Englishman has quickly become a fan favorite due to his work ethic and eye for goal. His versatility allows him to play as a central striker or on the wing.
- Daryl Dike
- Nationality: American
- Former Clubs: Orlando City, Barnsley (loan)
- Transfer Fee: £7 million (2022)
Daryl Dike is a powerful striker with a knack for scoring goals. The American’s physicality and aerial ability make him a handful for defenders. Despite injury setbacks, Dike remains a key part of West Brom’s attacking plans.
- Grady Diangana
- Nationality: Congolese
- Former Clubs: West Ham United
- Transfer Fee: £12 million (2020)
Grady Diangana is a skillful winger with the ability to change games. The Congolese international’s dribbling and creativity make him a constant threat. Diangana’s flair and unpredictability are vital to West Brom’s attacking play.
- Jed Wallace
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Millwall, Wolves
- Transfer Fee: Free Transfer (2022)
Jed Wallace is a hard-working winger known for his crossing and set-piece delivery. The Englishman’s experience and leadership make him a valuable member of the squad. Wallace’s ability to create chances and score goals adds depth to the attack.
- Josh Maja
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Former Clubs: Sunderland, Bordeaux, Fulham
- Transfer Fee: Free Transfer (2023)
Josh Maja is a clinical striker with a proven goal-scoring record. The Nigerian’s movement and finishing make him a constant threat in the box. Maja’s ability to link play and score crucial goals is a key asset.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 West Bromwich Albion squad is a blend of youth and experience, with each player bringing unique qualities to the team. From the commanding presence of Alex Palmer in goal to the attacking flair of Grady Diangana and Daryl Dike, the Baggies have the tools to compete at the highest level. With a strong defensive core, a creative midfield, and a potent attack, West Brom are well-equipped to challenge for promotion and write a new chapter in their storied history. The season ahead promises excitement, and the fans will undoubtedly rally behind their team as they strive for success.
