Credit: Tung Manh Phan/Breaking Media

Cameron Smith

Sat 23 May 2026 12:00, UK

West Bromwich Albion will be keeping a keen eye on the USMNT squad ahead of the World Cup.

American defender George Campbell has starred for the Baggies this season, and could be among those selected for his home tournament.

Since James Morrison’s appointment, Campbell played a huge role in keeping Albion in the Championship after the dismal spells of Ryan Mason and Eric Ramsay.

As a result, the 24-year-old has been linked with a move away over the summer, after racking up 3,080 minutes for the Black Country club this term.

And while West Brom would love to see him play a part at the World Cup, they may just have mixed feelings.

A strong World Cup could be a negative for West Brom

In recent weeks, the defender has been linked with a move to Scottish giants Celtic after his impressive form has played a major part in the turnaround in the Black Country.

With such a crucial window ahead, the priority will be to complete necessary sales early and avoid a repeat of last year, when Torbjorn Heggem and Tom Fellows departed late in the summer.

Though Campbell is someone Morrison will be desperate to keep ahead of the coming season.

The Baggies man made his debut for the USA under Mauricio Pochettino earlier this year, and despite missing out on the squad back in March, his form at the end of the season may just twist the arm of the Argentine boss.

All eyes are set to be on the hosts this summer, meaning that Campbell and his teammates could be directly under the spotlight.

If he were to play and perform well at the tournament, it could well convince sides into a deal – something that Albion will be desperate to avoid.

As much as they would love to see their star defender shining this summer, it could well be a situation that comes back to bite the Baggies.

West Brom and George Campbell are set for even bigger test

After a sensational end to the season, the coming year is the test for both West Brom and Campbell.

Over the summer, the Baggies will be looking to reset and go again, leaving what was a far-from-ideal finish in the past.

Morrison came in and galvanised the group, though his ability to guide a side over a 46-game season is unproven – the same can be said for Campbell, who came on leaps and bounds in the final months.

After his end to season, the defender is someone to build around moving forward.

Though the recruitment has to be spot on, if the Black Country club are to truly move on from this season.

The simple fact of the matter is that West Brom are among a select group expected to be fighting for promotion in the Championship, meaning that the expectations will rise for both Morrison and Campbell if he stays this summer.