New Ipswich Town update must spark West Brom, Alex Palmer reaction | OneFootball

Alex Palmer was a fan favourite with West Bromwich Albion and the latest update from Ipswich Town must spark a reaction...

Alex Palmer spent most of his career in the Championship with West Bromwich Albion, but the goalkeeper currently finds himself contracted to Premier League side Ipswich Town.

It could be argued that Alex Palmer's rise over the past few seasons has been a reward for patience and perseverance. After spending much of his early career out on loan from West Bromwich Albion, the goalkeeper eventually grasped his opportunity with the Baggies and established himself as one of the Championship's most consistent performers.

His dependability became his biggest asset at The Hawthorns, with his assured handling and ability to produce important saves quickly making him a firm favourite. His performances attracted attention from elsewhere eventually and his form ultimately earned Palmer a move to Ipswich Town.

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Football can change quickly, particularly for goalkeepers. Competition for places is fierce, and once a first-choice spot is lost, it can often prove to be difficult to reclaim. West Brom have had this issue over the last 18 months since he joined Ipswich in the Premier League, prior to their relegation back to the second tier.

Joe Wildsmith made seven appearances, while Josh Griffiths played 24 times, before Max O'Leary arrived in January to feature in 16 games. The former has been released, with Griffiths departing for Stoke City. O'Leary has remained and been joined by Matt Ingram but there has been a real overhaul at the Hawthorns.

Similarly, Palmer has experienced the same with Ipswich. Despite arriving with a strong reputation following his exploits at West Brom, he gradually slipped down the pecking order in their Championship campaign last term. Christian Walton ended up playing the majority of the minutes between the posts, leaving Palmer on the fringes despite the qualities he had previously displayed.

Ipswich's latest transfer activity only appears to reinforce that changing picture. Having secured promotion, the club have strengthened their goalkeeping department with the additions of Kayne van Oevelen and Kjell Scherpen. The latter arrival came in recent days and it inevitably leaves Ipswich with a surplus of senior goalkeepers, with Palmer, Walton and David Button all already on the books.

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The expectation or Ipswich has to be that at least one goalkeeper will depart before the transfer window closes, with perhaps even two. On paper, Palmer now appears no higher than third choice, making regular football increasingly difficult to come by unless his situation changes.

That should immediately catch the attention of his former employers. The Baggies have already been credited with an interest in bringing the 29-year-old back to The Hawthorns, with Blackburn Rovers and West Brom reportedly keen on Palmer. Ipswich's latest business arguably makes such a move even more logical.

Rather than spending another season watching from the sidelines, Palmer could return to the club where he enjoyed the best football of his career and become a regular starter once again. It would be smart business for West Brom, too. Palmer is already familiar with the club, knows the expectations and would require little time to settle back into the environment.

Goalkeepers capable of consistently performing at Championship level are not easy to find, while Palmer has already proven he can thrive under the pressure that comes with playing for a club expected to challenge near the top end of the division. O'Leary perhaps performed the best of the options at their disposal last season, but James Morrison will know Palmer is an upgrade if he is now available.

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From Ipswich's perspective, trimming their goalkeeping options would also make sense. There is little benefit in keeping several experienced senior goalkeepers if only one or two are realistically going to feature, particularly following the arrivals of van Oevelen and Scherpen.

The former could yet head out on loan, but Scherpen, Walton, and Button are enough. Cieran Slicker has joined Barnsley on loan and perhaps a sale for Palmer makes the most sense, with Ipswich needing to raise some more cash to fund their Premier League push. That's where West Brom can be of benefit to them.

For all parties involved, a reunion appears increasingly sensible. Palmer would regain the regular football his career needs, West Brom would welcome back a goalkeeper they know they can trust, and Ipswich could streamline a crowded position. Sometimes the best transfer solutions are the simplest ones, with this increasingly looking like one that would suit everyone.