West Brom goalkeeping picture shifts as Max O’Leary signs deal and Stoke eye Josh Griffiths | OneFootball

Max O’Leary has signed a three-year contract at West Bromwich Albion, bringing some clarity to a goalkeeping unit in flux. He arrived from Bristol City in January on a short-term deal that expired this summer.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, Stoke showed interest in 24-year-old Josh Griffiths over the weekend. With one year left on his deal, a move could appeal if he seeks a regular number one role, and Albion may see him as a way to raise funds.

Griffiths started as number one but Ryan Mason dropped him at QPR in December for Joe Wildsmith, who struggled. Mason then recalled Griffiths for his final game, a defeat to Leicester. Eric Ramsay’s early weeks included a 5-0 loss to Norwich, and Albion then moved for O’Leary on a short-term deal.

O’Leary came through at Ashton Gate, helped the Robins reach the 2024/25 play-offs, then lost his place to Manchester United loanee Radek Vitek with six months left on his deal. After a glaring debut error at Derby he impressed, delivering five straight clean sheets and eight in 16, with a standout at Blues.

Some supporters are not fully convinced he should start next season, and James Morrison still has a call to make. If both stay, form could decide a genuine battle for the gloves.

Wildsmith, 30, has been released. Ben Cisse is considering new terms and Joe Wallis has triggered an extension, while Brian Okonkwo, 20, has been offered a deal and Louis Brady, 19, an extension.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com