West Brom: Josh Griffiths missing from Stevenage clash could mean exit near
West Brom youngster Josh Griffiths was absent from the Baggies 2-0 preseason friendly defeat to Stevenage and that could indicate his exit is near.
Steve Bruce opted to utilise David Button and Alex Palmer in their match at the Lamex Stadium with Griffiths not in the squad.
Bruce has recently indicated that he wants to see Griffiths in preseason before making a decision on the keeper.
The West Brom boss said [as quoted by the Express and Star on 7 July]: “Alex Palmer had a slight hip flexor problem, but I’ve wanted to see the young one (Griffiths).”
Griffiths has been subject to loan interest with talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook suggesting (24 June) he was “very close” to joining League One side Portsmouth.
His absence from the Baggies preseason fixture could well indicate that the youngster is on his way out of the club this summer.
It will be crucial for the youngster to continue his development in the coming years after enjoying two excellent loan spells.
He was instrumental in Cheltenham’s League Two title win in the 2020/21 season and also enjoyed a good loan spell at Lincoln City in the 2021/22 campaign.
A move to a higher-end League One club looks like the most sensible move for the goalkeeper in order to maintain the upward trajectory his career is seemingly on.
Griffiths is unfortunate that he sits behind Palmer and Button with Bruce eager to keep some experience in the side.
He will, without a doubt, be West Brom’s number one at some point in the future, but for now, playing matches and maintaining his good performances is what the 20-year-old must focus on.
In other West Brom news, we are one of five teams in the hunt to sign this Premier League youngster who scored a promotion-winning goal in League Two last season.
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