West Brom embark on new era under Tony Mowbray: up‑to‑the‑minute team news, transfer business, injury updates and match analysis
By Joseph Chapman, BirminghamLive / Birmingham Mail
Tony Mowbray has returned to The Hawthorns with a clear vision: revamp, rejuvenate and reignite West Brom’s promotion push. Following his reappointment on a two-and-a-half‑year deal in mid-January 2025, the former boss is orchestrating a summer rebuild that spans transfers, youth integration, and strategic squad planning.
🔄 Summer Transfer Window: Business underway
West Brom have already been active. Centre-back Nat Phillips has arrived from Liverpool for £3 million, while Norwegian striker Aune Heggebø signed from Brann for £4.75 million — signalling a willingness to invest in both defensive steel and attacking promise.
The 18-year-old forward Jack Bray has also joined from Harrogate Town on a three-year deal, adding youth and potential in the final third.
On the departures front, Reyes Cleary has moved to Barnsley, while winger Grady Diangana and midfielder John Swift are confirmed to leave, clearing space and wage resources for the new regime.
🧤 Goalkeeping shake-up
A key sale: Alex Palmer, long-time first choice, has departed for Ipswich for around £5 million. That led to recalls and internal competition: Josh Griffiths returns from a standout loan at Bristol Rovers, and Joe Wildsmith—League One Golden Glove winner with Derby—is also in the frame. Mowbray has kept the gloves decision open, praising both goalkeepers’ pedigree ahead of the new season.
🚧 Squad and youth integration
Mowbray’s approach blends immediate reinforcement with long-term development. Up-and-coming talents like Gianluca Frabotta and Devante Cole are featuring in Premier League 2 to build match sharpness. The manager said he wants to see them in “big spaces”, bringing genuine depth and flexibility.
Academy star Caleb Taylor is also pushing through, having scored his first senior goal in the FA Cup in January—evidence of a clear pathway for youth at The Hawthorns.
⚽ Tactical direction & match form
Mowbray continues to demand technical excellence balanced with physical strength. After the emphatic 5‑1 victory against Portsmouth in January—their best win in over five years—he acknowledged the need to find a centre-forward who can “play in the box and score a few goals”, stating the club is doing its “homework” ahead of the transfer deadline.
🗓 Injury & squad updates
While the club has released transfer and signing updates, there are no major injury concerns as the campaign approaches. Goalkeeper Josh Griffiths is fit, and Mowbray’s focus shifts to ensuring front-line arrivals remain match‑ready.
🎯 Summer outlook: bold ambition with cautious realism
The sale of key players, especially Palmer, is intended to redistribute funds—both in finances and squad roles. Middlesbrough-born Mowbray is building a mosaic of signings that reflect his philosophy: a blend of seasoned pros, technical teenagers, and hungry loanees. If Phillips, Heggebø, Bray and Griffiths hit the ground running, WBA fans might dare to dream again.
As the squad settles, stories will emerge: Who starts between the sticks? Which striker will seize the No. 9 shirt? And how quickly can the new boys adapt to Championship demands?
Stay tuned – you can comment, share insights, and chat with our journalists as the transfer window progresses. Joseph Chapman will provide real‑time updates on deals, team news, gossip and match ratings.
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With Mowbray firmly in charge, West Brom look to combine fresh faces with homegrown energy. Expect a summer of change, a shake-up on the pitch, and a renewed push for promotion — all rooted in a modern philosophy under a proven leader.
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