'Finalising a deal' - West Brom close in on statement signing with World Cup ambitions
West Brom are closing in on their third signing of the summer under manager Ryan Mason
Championship promotion hopefuls West Bromwich Albion are reported to be finalising a deal to sign USA international George Campbell from Major League Soccer side CF Montreal.
It’s expected to mark Ryan Mason’s third signing at the Hawthorns Stadium after already completing the signing of Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips for a figure in the region of £3m and Norweigen youngster Aune Heggebø after his impressive goalscoring campaign with SK Brann.
The Baggies had the fifth best defensive record in the league last term under Carlos Corberan and Tony Mowbray but still feel they need further depth at centre back to mount a genuine push for promotion after missing out entirely on the play-offs with a disappointing 10th place finish last term.
Campbell was absent from Montréal's squad during their 1-1 draw with Orlando City on Saturday night and is believed to be in ‘advanced negotiations’ with the Baggies, as per Give Me Sport.
Why West Brom have made the move for George Campbell
Newly-appointed West Brom boss Ryan Mason is keen to bolster the squad as he prepares for his first full season in professional management. The former Hull City, Tottenham Hotspur and Doncaster Rovers midfielder has worked under the likes of Jose Mourinho, Mauricio Pochettino, Antonio Conte and Ange Postecoglou after spending nearly a decade as a coach at Spurs and is now keen to apply the skills he has learned to Championship management.
He’s identified George Campbell as a player that can help his team boost their promotion ambitions. The Chester, Pennsylvania-born defender has five seasons of experience in the professional game and is an outside contender to make the USA squad ahead of the World Cup on home soil.
Campbell came through the ranks at Atlanta United and signed his first professional deal in 2020 after four years in the youth team. He played 38 times in total forThe Five Stripess, scoring once before moving onto Montreal where has since established himself as a regular in the MLS.
Overall, he’s played 78 times for Montreal, scoring one further goal while also contributing five assists. MLS expert Jeremy Peterman has stated that Albion could be set to bag one of the bargains of the transfer window.
He posted on X: “Campbell is physically ready for the Championship and adds another dimension to WBA’s CB room: outstanding ball-carrying. He instantly becomes the most progressive CB that the Baggies have at their disposal. Great pickup, expecting fee to be in the £1M range.”
Campbell’s arrival could see him form a strong centre back partnership with fellow recruit Nat Phillips, a player with Champions League experience from his time at Liverpool. Meanwhile, Torbjørn Heggem , who featured mainly at centre-back, could be moved to his preferred role in the left-back position.
Who else are West Brom interested in signing?
West Brom could look to bolster their wide attacking options amid continuous speculation linking Tom Fellows with a move to Everton and Leeds United.
Abdoulie Manneh from Swedish Allsvenskan leaders Mjällby AIF presents an outstanding opportunity, according to Birmingham Mail. While full-back Vetle Auklend of Norwegian side Viking FK has been speculated as a potential target, according to Football League World.
Elsewhere, The Yorkshire Post has claimed Ryan Mason could use his Tottenham connections to land rising star Mikey Moore on loan amid strong competition from Hull City.