'It could be Wolves' - West Brom could miss out on bargain free agent signing to rivals amid Celtic interest
Harry Toffolo is attracting interest from West Brom
Former Huddersfield Town defender Harry Toffolo is looking for the next challenge of his professional career after being released from last season’s Premier League surprise package Nottingham Forest.
The left-back made 57 appearances in total across all competitions, scoring one goal and forming a small part of the team which finished seventh last season to secure a return to Europe for the first time since 1995/96 when club legend Frank Clark was in the managerial hot-seat.
Toffolo’s availability is likely to make him a target for a number of British sides due to his experience in England’s top two divisions and his versatility which has seen him fill in as a makeshift left midfielder and centre back to great effect on occasion.
Championship promotion hopefuls West Brom, now managed by Ryan Mason, are thought to be one of the contenders to land the former England Under-20 international. However, it appears likely that the club will face strong competition for his signature this summer.
West Bromwich Albion could miss out on bargain free agent
EFL Analysis claims West Brom are one of the club’s interested in signing 29-year-old Harry Toffolo this summer.New boss Ryan Mason is expected to use his knowledge of Tottenham Hotspur to his advantage to get hold of some of the Lillywhites top youngsters. However, it’s also thought that players like Toffolo appeal to the young coach due to the experience they can offer the dressing room.
Toffolo has played 287 matches in England’s top four divisions, including 99 at Championship level. He’s won promotion from League Two with Lincoln City and was also notably part of the Huddersfield team which reached the Championship play-off final.He’s also gained experience across the country with Doncaster Rovers, Scunthorpe and Peterborough United, and played a role in helping Nottingham Forest reach the FA Cup semi-final last term.
His best individual campaign came with the Terriers when he scored six and contributed seven assists during the 2021/22 campaign, and he’ll hope he can get back to that standard in the near future with a regular run of games. However, it’s suspected that West Brom will face strong competition for Toffolo’s signature, with Scottish champions Celtic showing interest in the player as a possible replacement for Greg Taylor to provide competition to Kieran Tierney.
The Hoops could, of course, offer Toffolo a first taste of European football and a high chance of winning silverware. Another contender could be Wolves after the loss of Rayan Ait-Nouri, with the Old Gold lacking depth in their backline.
Transfer guru Graeme Bailey said: “He’s an interesting one. I did hear a little bit of a squeak for Celtic, but I don’t think there’s anything in that. I do know Celtic are looking at Josh Doig and I think that one’s progressing, to be fair. As I understand it, there’s been sniffs from West Brom. Quite a few teams in the Championship will be keen, to be fair and I think this is one of those situations where, as he’s on a free, he’s not going to be short of options.
“I don’t think it’s going to be happening this week or any time soon. He does still hope he could get a Premier League chance. It could be that Wolves take a chance on him. Toffolo won’t be in a massive hurry because there’s good interest in him at the top of the Championship. He’s not about to sign with anyone yet, I don’t believe. He’s got good options out there. He’s a very solid player and he’ll get a good club.”
Harry Toffolo sends heartfelt message to Nottingham Forest fans
Harry Toffolo has shared an emotional farewell message to the Nottingham Forest faithful after three seasons with the club. He posted on social media: “I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone associated with Nottingham Forest. From the owner, Mr Marinakis, and the rest of the board, to the managers I've worked under - Steve Cooper and Nuno - thank you for the opportunity and the belief. I've loved working with you both and evolving my game during my time at the club.
"To all the staff - from those on the training pitch to the many faces behind the scenes that fans don't always see, you are the real engine of the football club. You've worked tirelessly to make sure we, as players, are at our very best every day, and I'll always be grateful for your effort and energy.
"One of the things I've been most proud of during my time here is my work in the community. It's something I'm extremely passionate about. To be named the club's PFA Community Champion, and to be asked to serve as the Mental Health Ambassador by the NFFC Community Trust, meant a great deal. I've genuinely enjoyed every single project I was part of, and your time meant just as much to me as mine did to you.
"To the lads in the dressing room - you're a special group. Stay close, keep driving standards and enjoy what's coming next. The future is exciting. And to the fans - whether you were chanting 'Hey Baby', creating special memories for my family, or just making me proud to pull on the shirt - thank you. You've given me moments I'll never forget. Enjoy travelling Europe again. Toff."