Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Thu 7 May 2026 9:30, UK

West Bromwich Albion have a decision to make over the future of Max O’Leary.

The 29-year-old signed for the Baggies in January and was met with initial scepticism after a mixed career at Bristol City previously.

Over 13 years came to an end at Ashton Gate as the shot stopper took on the new challenge of keeping the B71 outfit in the Championship.

A free transfer switch to The Hawthorns certainly paid off as the keeper helped to avoid relegation with relative ease under James Morrison.

O’Leary’s contract is now set to expire at West Brom, with the perfect chance to prove himself coming up later in May.

Max O’Leary earns Republic of Ireland call-up

There is plenty of positivity surrounding the winter signing after such an excellent spell since his switch from the Robins.

No one truly expected him to be a great signing, but for a free transfer, he went on to play a key role at the back under Morrison.

That has certainly caught the attention in the Championship and beyond after defying expectations to become a true star at The Hawthorns.

The 29-year-old’s contribution has now been awarded with a call-up to the Republic of Ireland national team ahead of an international clash in May.

A friendly with Grenada in Murcia awaits the keeper and Baggies teammate Jayson Molumby after the squad undergoes a training camp in May

That is nothing less than he deserves, while giving O’Leary the chance to earn a new contract at West Brom, moving into the summer window.

There is also the possibility other teams of a similar standing may also keep a close eye on O’Leary, so Albion will have to move fast.

O’Leary can earn new West Brom contract with international showing

There are many Albion players whose current deals are approaching their expiry when the season officially comes to an end.

It is questionable whether the likes of Jed Wallace, Josh Maja and Daryl Dike will remain, but O’Leary will be hopeful of landing fresh terms.

After keeping nine clean sheets, he is certainly deserving of that, especially after the low standards he was coming into.

He now needs to go away with the Republic of Ireland and prove exactly why West Brom need to give him a new contract as soon as possible.

It is the perfect chance to put himself in the shop window and give Morrison something to think about in the coming weeks.