West Brom deal for Campbell leads to call for club to erect new statue
West Brom are set to sign George Campbell from MLS side CF Montreal.
The Baggies have sprung into life in the transfer market, confirming the signings of Nat Phillips from Liverpool and Aune Heggebo from Brann.
After Mikey Johnston’s shock move to Flamengo fell through after fan backlash, it had been feared that West Brom’s business would stop in its tracks, as the Irishman was set to bring £5million into the club.
However, Campbell’s proposed arrival for £1m has proved that worry to be a myth, and Montreal fans have reacted to the sale.
Montreal fan call for statue for Olivier Renard
USA international Campbell’s move to The Hawthorns continues a trend under Olivier Renard.
Renard moved to Montreal in 2019 as sporting director before becoming vice president and chief sporting officer in 2022.
In his time in Canada, the Belgian has become an expert at selling players on for a large profit.
His greatest example of this can be found in former Watford midfielder Ismael Kone, who was signed on a free transfer in 2021, before Renard sold him to the Hornets for £4m.
In the top 10 most expensive departures in Montreal’s history, nine of them were made under the now-Anderlecht sporting director.
This has seen fans call for a statue of Renard to be commissioned by owner Joey Saputo, with Campbell the latest player to bring a profit to the Canadian outfit.
Posting on X (13 July), podcast host Tony Marinaro said: “George Campbell was acquired by Montreal in 2022.
“Olivier Renard, acquired him from Atlanta for 600k, plus 300k bonus and 10 per cent on eventual transfer.
“Miller, Johnston, Mihajlovic, Kone, Choinière, Saliba and Campbell. All sold for millions. Joey should put a statue of Olivier Renard outside the stadium.”
Campbell to bring further solidity at the back for West Brom
The American’s proposed arrival in the Midlands will help bring further defensive solidity for the Baggies next season.
Campbell has become a comfortable defender with the ball at his feet, while also possessing the basics needed to do well in English football.
| George Campbell | 2025 MLS stats |
| Appearances | 16 |
| Interceptions per game | 1.4 |
| Tackles per game | 2.0 |
| Clearances per game | 4.2 |
The defender has ranked in high percentiles for both tackling and most passing statistics, which could help unlock West Brom‘s stagnant attack against low blocks.
This looks to be a good signing for all parties.
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