West Brom left Ipswich Town transfer deal on the table - it has paid off | OneFootball

West Brom did not pursue a deal to bring back Alex Palmer from Ipswich, and it looks like the right call given Max O'Leary's form this season.

West Brom put in a hugely disappointing performance against rivals Wolves last time out, but they still head into the international break in a very good position.

James Morrison did a remarkable job to keep the Baggies up last season, and a return of 14 points from eight games in the current campaign means Albion are unlikely to have any relegation worries this season.

As well as that, aside from the display at Molineux, West Brom have competed well, and a lot of that has been down to shrewd recruitment in the summer, with Rabby Nzingoula and Toby Collyer looking like smart additions, and Jimmy-Jay Morgan has been one of the standout signings in the league.

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West Brom had major goalkeeping issues last season

Some Albion fans will feel the club could’ve done more, and a major talking point in the summer window was whether they needed a new keeper.

It’s fair to say that the number one shirt had been an issue last season, as Joe Wildsmith, Josh Griffiths and Max O’Leary all featured, which is obviously far from ideal.

The latter joined in January, and whilst he was ultimately first-choice under Morrison, O’Leary only agreed a short-term contract, and he had a mixed start at The Hawthorns.

So, many fans were expecting a revamp of the goalkeeping department in the summer, and, it did happen, with Griffiths joining Stoke, and Wildsmith, who joined Middlesbrough on loan when O’Leary arrived, left when his deal expired.

West Brom were told to pursue Alex Palmer this summer

That left O’Leary as the only senior keeper in the squad, so the Baggies had a clear choice to make in the market.

Did they target a proven number one to start ahead of the ex-Bristol City man? Or did they go for someone to provide competition and show faith in O’Leary?

In the end, they went down the second route, as whilst Matt Ingram is an experienced keeper with Championship know-how, he was always going to start the season as number two.

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But, it could’ve been very different, as Albion had been suggested as a destination for Alex Palmer, who had fallen down the pecking order at Ipswich Town.

The stopper came through the ranks at West Brom, and he established himself as a very good keeper at this level, which prompted Ipswich to bring him in when they were a Premier League side.

So, to get him back to The Hawthorns would’ve been seen as a real coup for Morrison’s side, but, ultimately, a move didn’t materialise.

Max O’Leary has been incredible for West Brom so far this season

Whilst there’s no doubt that Palmer could’ve done well for Albion, the reality is that the Baggies’ failure to pursue a deal for their former player is one that they will be pleased with right now.

That’s because O’Leary has undoubtedly been the standout keeper in the Championship this season, putting in some brilliant performances.

It started on the opening day, as O’Leary’s heroics helped Albion to a huge three points at Norwich, and even though they didn’t get a result at Wolves, the twice-capped Irish international made a few outrageous saves in the first-half.

The stats back up just how well O’Leary has been playing, as FotMob state he has prevented 6.2 goals this season, which is the best in the league. For context, Derby’s Jacob Widell Zetterström is second on 2.2, highlighting how far ahead the Albion man is from the rest.

It’s not just O’Leary’s shot-stopping ability that has caught the eye, as he has been assured under high balls, and he has helped Albion build out from the back in the way Morrison wants.

Max O’Leary will be key to West Brom’s play-off push

Clearly, it’s unrealistic to expect O’Leary to maintain these ridiculous levels throughout the season, but he will be in a great place right now, as he is enjoying the best spell of his career.

But, even if his form does drop off a bit, Albion will still feel they have a keeper that is better than many rivals in the Championship.

You could make a strong case to say O’Leary is the main reason for the Baggies’ position in the table, but this fast start, combined with the extended play-off format, means they will be dreaming of promotion this season.

Of course, others will need to step up over the coming months, but, in O’Leary, Albion have someone in form who will be crucial in helping them try to achieve their Premier League dream.