What we know about ex-Arsenal ace Brian Okonkwo after surprise West Brom development
West Brom could be set to sign teenage goalkeeper Brian Okonkwo after his recent release by Arsenal.
Okonkwo is a free agent after leaving Arsenal in the summer, and the 19-year-old may have now decided on West Brom as his next destination.
West Brom already have a young goalkeeper in Josh Griffiths, but are aiming to add to their roster, and Okonkwo could end up joining the academy side initially.
There has now been a development over the goalkeeper, and this could see him arrive at The Hawthorns imminently.
Brian Okonkwo listed as West Brom player after trial
Okonkwo started as a trialist for West Brom’s Under-21s against Aston Villa, as they were beaten 3-1 in a Premier League 2 clash at Damson Park on Monday.
Following his trial, Okonkwo has now been listed as part of West Brom’s Under-21 squad on the Premier League website, indicating that he is set to join permanently.
- Okonkwo made seven appearances for Arsenal’s Under-21s, conceding 14 goals.
- The goalkeeper is the younger brother of Arthur Okonkwo, who is currently playing for Wrexham.
West Brom Under-21s are currently bottom of the Premier League 2 table with two losses from two, and Okonkwo could not prevent them from losing at home to rivals Villa.
The teenager has been a free agent since being released by Arsenal in July, and West Brom could now sign him as a long-term prospect.
Who is West Brom trialist Brian Okonkwo?
Okonkwo was born in London, and joined the Arsenal academy at the age of 12 in 2018, initially starting as a striker before eventually becoming a goalkeeper.
The 19-year-old signed a professional contract in June 2024, but left upon its expiry a year later.
The goalkeeper had a spell last season on loan at Hitchin Town in the Southern Premier Central Division, making four appearances, and earned rave reviews.
“I thought he was excellent,” Hitchin boss Mark Burke stated after his debut against Banbury Town.
“I don’t think he’s used to that sort of [long] kicking, his quads might be a bit sore… welcome to non-league football!
“The fans were giving him a little bit of jovial banter behind the goal and he took it well… he’s certainly not let Arsenal down, he’s made them proud.”
Okonkwo could now become West Brom’s third-choice goalkeeper, and feature in their Under-21 side to gain more experience, if the club do end up signing him permanently.
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