Who is new West Brom signing Nolan Galves? The attack-minded right-back behind standout Ligue 2 numbers | OneFootball

Nolan Galves has joined West Bromwich Albion on a four-year deal after impressing in Ligue 2 with Rodez.

ExpressAndStar.com reports several English clubs showed interest, but Albion sealed a deal for the 23-year-old. He helps address James Morrison’s right-back issue, with Danny Imray reportedly Wrexham-bound and only Alex Williams and Alfie Gilchrist in reserve.

Born in Montbeliard near the Switzerland border, Galves joined Sochaux at 10, progressing from Sochaux II to the first-team set-up. He broke through in senior football in the third-tier Ligue 3 with the club.

He moved south in 2024 to Rodez on a three-year contract, leaving 12 months remaining this summer. Earlier in the window, the French side’s asking price was reported at around £850,000.

His first Rodez season brought three assists and two goals in 31 outings, with the team finishing 14th of 18.

Last term he did not score but supplied eight assists, including one in the play-offs, as Rodez finished fifth. They beat Red Star 3-2 in the first round before going out to Saint-Etienne on penalties.

Under Didier Santini’s five-man defence he was mostly a wing-back, front foot and keen to dribble to the byline. He created 10 big chances, better than 95 per cent of Ligue 2 full-backs, delivered a division-high 59 successful crosses and completed 27 dribbles, ahead of 96 per cent. He also won possession 11 times in the attacking third, better than 97 per cent.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com