Darnell Furlong position emerges at West Brom after George Campbell transfer
Ryan Mason has been experimenting with his West Brom squad as they prepare for the new Championship season.
The Baggies kick off their campaign against Blackburn Rovers in less than two weeks before facing Derby in the EFL Cup.
West Brom lost their most recent friendly against Lincoln City in what has been a pattern of losses for the West Midlands side.
Indeed, George Campbell and Darnell Furlong are set to play a pivotal role for Mason, and their roles have come under the microscope.
Mason decision could impact Campbell and Furlong roles
Campbell sealed a move to West Brom from Montreal for £1.5million as Mason strengthens his backline.
The 24-year-old has made over 100 career appearances at centre back, and it is a position he has rarely strayed from.
Campbell made 16 MLS appearances this year before moving to The Hawthorns and demonstrated his strength in a duel.
| George Campbell’s 2025 MLS statistics | Total |
| Appearances | 16 |
| Clean sheets | 2 |
| Clearances | 4.2 |
| Total duels won | 4.8 (61%) |
| Griund duels won | 3.7 (68%) |
| Errors leading to goal | 1 |
West Brom’s latest clash with Lincoln ended in a 4-2 defeat for Mason, and the Albion have now lost three straight matches in pre-season.
Campbell came on as a substitute for Callum Styles, while Furlong started the match at right back.
Now, Lewis Cox has discussed whether Campbell has been brought in as cover in the middle or to provide competition for Furlong, via the Express & Star (28 July).
Cox said: “My reading of it at the moment is that he [Campbell] will just be able to fill in if needed, I think that’s how I see it.
“I don’t think that he’ll necessarily be in as a first-choice right back. I’ll be happy to be proved wrong on that, but it would surprise me at the moment.
“I don’t think Furlong had the best day up at Blackpool, did he? It’s a positive that we’ve got a player in that position that can at least push him.”
Furlong to be given West Brom chance by Mason
While West Brom may have been searching for a long-term Furlong successor, the right back will surely be given a starting berth.
Last season, the 29-year-old made 42 Championship appearances as the Albion faded towards the end of the campaign.
The right back has been heavily involved in pre-season, which points to the likelihood of Mason giving him a regular place in the starting line-up.
Of course, if Campbell impresses and shows versatility, then he will give his manager a decision to make.
However, for now at least, it seems that Furlong will play a significant role for West Brom.
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