West Brom in talks with new goalkeeper after 3-2 win v Rayo Vallecano
West Brom battled to record an impressive result as they beat Rayo Vallecano 3-2 in a pre-season friendly.
Rayo qualified for the Europa Conference League after finishing eighth in La Liga, and beating opposition of this level is a positive step in West Brom’s preparations.
The Baggies did fall behind after a mistake from goalkeeper Josh Griffiths, who has attracted a lot of criticism recently.
Ryan Mason is keen to stamp his own influence over the squad, and could now make a change between the sticks after Griffiths’ latest error.
West Brom in Angus Gunn transfer talks
Mason, like a large section of West Brom fans, now wants to see a new goalkeeper arrive at The Hawthorns this summer.
Baggies insider Dood has now reported on X that following Angus Gunn‘s recent trial with West Brom, talks were ongoing with the free agent on Saturday (2 August).
It is claimed that Mason is actively pushing to bring in a replacement for Griffiths, and his latest performance against Rayo will certainly not have helped him.
| Stats (League One) | Griffiths |
| Matches | 28 |
| Clean sheets | 7 |
| Save percentage | 71.6% |
| Pass accuracy | 50.4% |
The 23-year-old returned from a loan spell at Bristol Rovers midway through the campaign last season, and eventually replaced Joe Wildsmith as the starter in the final few weeks.
- Griffiths has had loan spells at Cheltenham, Lincoln City, Bristol Rovers and Portsmouth in the past.
However, he has not done enough to keep his place, and he could now be replaced as Mason seeks a more reliable option.
West Brom need experienced goalkeeper
Even if Griffiths is seen as a big talent, he arguably needs more developing before he is ready to be relied upon as the number one.
If Gunn does join, he would arrive as a very experienced option at Championship level, who can inspire confidence in his back line.
With Mason himself and some of his defence all on the inexperienced side, having a more proven goalkeeper would be a big help this season, rather than trying to develop Griffiths and accepting that errors may happen throughout the campaign.
West Brom have had a mixed transfer window so far, but landing a new goalkeeper at Mason’s request would be a big boost ahead of the new season.
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