Albion goalkeeping picture: O’Leary signs three-year deal as Griffiths draws interest | OneFootball

Max O’Leary has signed a new three-year deal at Albion, offering some clarity in goal, though decisions still loom before September.

ExpressAndStar.com notes that the 29-year-old arrived from Bristol City in January on a short-term contract that ran out this summer.

Josh Griffiths began as No.1, but in early December at QPR Ryan Mason replaced him with Joe Wildsmith, who struggled. Mason recalled Griffiths for his final game, a defeat to Leicester, before Eric Ramsay’s early weeks brought a 5-0 loss to Norwich, the last match before O’Leary arrived.

O’Leary came through at Ashton Gate, rose to No.1 and helped Bristol City reach the 2024/25 play-offs. He later lost his place to Manchester United loanee Radek Vitek and, with six months left, sought regular football, which may have shaped his long-term commitment.

Apart from a high-profile debut error at Derby, he impressed as the defence settled, delivering five straight clean sheets and eight in 16 league games. His display at Blues stood out, though some fans remain unsure he should be first choice next season.

Boss James Morrison has a call to make, and Griffiths, 24, reportedly drew interest from Stoke. With a year left, he could chase a regular No.1 role elsewhere, and Albion may see him as a way to raise funds.

If both stay, form should decide and two strong keepers pushing each other should be the aim. Wildsmith, 30, has been released, while prospects Ben Cisse and Joe Wallis, both 20, continue, with Cisse weighing new terms and Wallis triggering an extension.

In the under-21s, Brian Okonkwo, 20, has been offered a deal and Louis Brady, 19, has triggered an extension.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com