State of play between the sticks as West Brom man reportedly commands interest and deal signed

Some light was shed on Albion’s goalkeeping department this week as Max O’Leary committed his future to the club.

The 29-year-old agreed a new three-year contract at The Hawthorns having impressed since his move from Bristol City in January.

O’Leary had only penned an initial short-term deal, which expired this summer, and meant his future was up in the air.

Question marks remain about that department and how it will look when finalised come September.

Number one question answered?

Perhaps, but it remains difficult to say and is potentially still to be resolved.

Albion’s first choice flitted around last term after Josh Griffiths started the campaign between the sticks.

Former boss Ryan Mason made an eye-opening change at QPR in early December in dropping Griffiths for Joe Wildsmith, who had previously failed to convince at Albion.

Wildsmith struggled at Loftus Road and thereafter. Mason, desperate for a change in fortunes, reverted to academy graduate Griffiths for his final clash against Leicester - a familiar last-gasp defeat.

Things got no better in Eric Ramsay’s opening weeks - notably the 5-0 drubbing by Norwich - and that proved to be the final clash before Albion sealed a short-term move for O’Leary.

The former Bristol City man came through the Ashton Gate ranks and, with a series of impressive loans earlier in his career, forged a route to No.1 and underlined his credentials in helping the Robins to the Championship play-offs in 2024/25.

He lost his place at City to impressive Manchester United loanee Radek Vitek and, with six months left on his deal, wanted regular football.

It feels O’Leary’s move this summer would have been influenced by a suggestion he would play regular football, particularly in agreeing a three-year deal.

How did O’Leary fare?

Very well overall.

The Irishman’s only high-profile glaring error was on his debut at Derby.

Thereafter he went on a run of good form as the defence solidified in front of him. Five clean sheets on the spin was a fine effort in his overall haul of eight shutouts in 16 league games. His display at Blues was particularly impressive.

Not all Baggies supporters remained 100 per cent convinced, however, he would be the answer as first choice next season.

Only James Morrison knows how he feels about that at this stage, where it feels other aspects of the goalkeeping department are still to be resolved.

What about Griffiths?

The 24-year-old was reportedly subject of interest from Championship rivals Stoke over the weekend.

Last season - his first beginning as Albion No.1 - did not go as intended but that can often be the case for keepers breaking into the first-team fold.

There is every chance Griffiths’ future could be away from the club if he decides to have a crack at a regular No.1 role elsewhere.

He is under contract until next summer and has interested other clubs previously. Albion may view the keeper as a way to generate funds.

Nothing is ever a given and should be form dependent and if both remain at the club there will be a battle - but Morrison will have to nail his colours to the mast.

Two strong keepers pushing each other should be the aim and has lacked at times in recent years.

Wildsmith, 30, was released by the Baggies this summer.

Anything else?

There are some talented keeper prospects in the Baggies ranks.

Ben Cisse and Joe Wallis, both 20, are attempting to follow the path led by Griffiths and Alex Palmer before them.

Cisse, who is from West Bromwich, is mulling new terms this summer and New Zealander Wallis triggered an extension.

The under-21 ranks are not short with Brian Okonkwo, 20, also offered a deal and an extension triggered on Louis Brady, 19.