West Brom are set to rival fellow Championship rivals Bristol City for the signing of FC Montreal defender George Campbell.
The Baggies are ramping up efforts to prepare for the 2025-26 season, with a new manager close to being appointed as well as identifying targets to bolster the squad after failing to make the play-offs this campaign.
The Baggies were in the driving seat to seal a place inside the top six, but a run of five defeats from their last six league outings condemned Albion to a ninth-place finish, with the Baggies finishing their final two games of the campaign under interim boss and club icon James Morrison.
It is set to be a summer of change at The Hawthorns, with the likes of John Swift, Grady Diangana, and Semi Ajayi departing the club, while fresh faces must arrive in order to push towards the top end of the second-tier table next season.
It’s a crucial period for the Baggies as they look to put the disappointment of this term behind them, with Albion now appearing to be in the market to add to their defensive ranks.
West Brom join the race for FC Montreal defender George Campbell
In an article by Give Me Sport detailing the MLS players to watch during the summer transfer window, journalist Tom Bogert reported that West Brom are interested in a move for FC Montreal defender George Campbell.
While Albion are keen on a deal for the 23-year-old, they face competition from multiple Championship clubs, including Bristol City, who are also admirers of the US-born defender.
No bids have apparently been made at the beginning of the summer, although he is believed to be a player who should be able to adapt to the physicality of English football.
Campbell made his debut for the USA international side in January this year, while he has been vital to the Montreal side since his signing back in 2023.
Campbell, 23, made his USMNT debut in January. He was acquired by Montréal ahead of the 2023 season and has been a regular first-team member as he enters his third season at Stade Saputo.
| George Campbell’s stats for FC Montreal (via Transfermarkt) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 65 | 1 | 4 |
Seemingly a defender on the rise and ready for the next step to England, it could be a shrewd signing for the Black Country outfit should they be able to get a deal over the line.
West Brom require additional defensive recruits
As Albion enters the summer transfer window, a central defensive addition should be high on their agenda.
The club has recently seen the experienced Semi Ajayi depart the club, while Kyle Bartley seemingly ran out of steam at the back end of this season as he reached the age of 34.
Caleb Taylor will return from an impressive loan stint at Wycombe Wanderers, but it is yet to be known whether he is good enough to be a regular starter in the blue and white stripes.
The Baggies require a younger and hungrier defender to match the profile of Torbjorn Heggem heading into next season, with the club needing to build off a resolute backline in order to taste any success next term.
The addition of George Campbell could be the ideal target, with the 23-year-old going from strength to strength in America, which has seen him play international football for the first time.
While it is a big leap to make to the English game, Campbell could be an unearthed gem if he can keep the upward trajectory of his career going.
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