West Brom strike agreement with League One rivals of Birmingham City

West Brom goalkeeper Josh Griffiths has joined Bristol Rovers on a season-long loan deal.West Brom goalkeeper Josh Griffiths has joined Bristol Rovers on a season-long loan deal.
West Brom goalkeeper Josh Griffiths has joined Bristol Rovers on a season-long loan deal. | Getty Images
West Bromwich Albion have let a player leave for a League One rival of Birmingham City.

Bristol Rovers have completed the signing of West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper on a season-long loan after striking an agreement with the Baggies.

Set to come up against the likes of Birmingham City, Wrexham and Bolton Wanderers next term, Griffiths has an excellent opportunity to get regular game time. The 22-year-old started 10 Championship games in 2022/23 to fill in for the injured Alex Palmer, but only featured three times last campaign.

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Highly rated by West Brom boss Carlos Corberan, the former England Under-21 international should start every League One fixture for Bristol Rovers. He played excellently for Lincoln City and Portsmouth on loan in the same competition, after all.

West Brom sign Griffiths replacement

Albion, a step ahead, have already signed a replacement for Griffiths. Joe Wildsmith, who claimed the 2023/24 League One Golden Glove with champions Derby County, has signed a two-year deal with the Baggies.

The former Sheffield Wednesday man joins on a free transfer after failing to agree terms on a new deal with Derby. Although expected to play second fiddle to Championship Golden Glove winner Palmer, the 28-year-old adds immense quality and experience to the goalkeeping department.

“I’ve shown what I can do week-in, week-out in League One, so this is a really good opportunity to take the next step in my career. I wanted to come to a club of this magnitude and really push myself again,” Wildsmith said after putting pen to paper.

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Albion head coach Corberan added: “I’m delighted to welcome Joe to the club. We felt it was essential for Josh Griffiths to go out on loan this season and in Joe we have a really good goalkeeper coming in.”

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