Credit: Imago

Jacob Raw

Thu 7 May 2026 18:40, UK

Josh Griffiths has had a turbulent season with West Bromwich Albion and will most likely take a backseat next campaign.

The Baggies have had true goalkeeping issues this term, having to rely on a young, inexperienced Griffiths alongside a poor Joe Wildsmith.

Along came the January window, where Shilen Patel moved quickly to secure the permanent services of Max O’Leary who has split the opinion of some fans.

Regardless, the Irishman was James Morrison‘s number one choice between the sticks for the relegation battle, and Albion could look to keep him at The Hawthorns for another season.

Griffith’s best option could be a loan exit, but even though his deal expires in 2027, a short move away from the Black Country Club wouldn’t necessarily be the end.

Here’s why Josh Griffiths loan exit could be best

Griffiths initially impressed, but it feels like the low confidence of his teammates may have rubbed off on him at a time when players were under the microscope.

The 24-year-old was benched for each of Albion’s last six games, but this season was the most amount of Championship football that he’d played in his career.

Griffiths played 24 times in the Championship, made one penalty stop, and had a save percentage of 60.5 per cent.

The former Bristol Rovers loanee conceded 34 times during that period, and had a negative goals prevented ratio of minus 7.55.

It’s clear to see that the shot-stopper still has holes in his game, but at the age of 24, he is still young for a goalkeeper.

One more loan move to League One could really help him mature before possibly handing out a new deal, as giving up on a youth prospect when potential is there would be silly.

West Brom likely to sign two new goalkeeper’s

Both Wildsmith and O’Leary are out of contract this summer, and while an extension for the latter could be on the cards, that’s probably not the case for the former.

O’Leary would be practically classed as a new signing if he stayed, while you would then think that his permanent stay would prompt an exit for Griffiths.

Given that and the likelihood of Wildsmith seeking pastures new after a zero-appearance move to Middlesbrough, the Baggies will be in need of another back-up option.

Or West Brom could completely switch things up by an entire goalkeeping revamp, something which many Baggies fans would be happy to see.