(Credit: Imago)

Jacob Raw

Mon 25 May 2026 18:27, UK

Leon King poses an obvious transfer possibility to James Morrison and West Bromwich Albion as his contract with Rangers expires this summer.

The centre-back spent this season on loan at Scottish Championship side Ayr United, and though he impressed in the second tier, he won’t be staying with Danny Rohl’s Rangers.

Shilen Patel will need to be smart once again this summer with business, as Albion’s published accounts for last season proved the financial constraints the club faces off the field.

Morrison will be keen to add quality and depth to his backline and perhaps something different to what he already has.

King is a modern-day defender and could give West Brom a fresh dynamic at the back for the next season, all for the price of nothing.

Leon King has ball-playing abilities to offer West Brom

West Brom had quite the rollercoaster under Ryan Mason, looking like promotion contenders at the start of the season to relegation candidates before he was sacked.

One area in which the former Tottenham coach wanted to express his philosophy was by putting emphasis on his defenders to be confident on the ball, something which Morrison had to steer away from during his time as interim boss.

West Brom have been linked with a swoop for King, as the defender possesses abilities that can help Morrison progress his side from being direct, and play more expansively instead.

According to Sofascore, the 22-year-old had an average rating of 7.01 this season, completing 79 per cent of his passes accurately, winning 7.6 duels per 90 minutes.

Importantly, the Scot made 14.5 recoveries per game on average, showing his pace on several occasions to keep his side danger-free.

King made 42 appearances for Rangers across his time at Ibrox, winning the Scottish and League Cup, as well as the Scottish Premiership.

He came through the Bears’ academy, which means the defender will have been taught everything about how to play positively out from the back.

Could Morrison push George Campbell back to right-back if King signs?

One of Albion’s big transfer stories of this summer will be regarding George Campbell after Celtic’s interest was reported.

The American featured at right-back for the majority of the season before Danny Imray nailed down his starting spot.

However, Wolves and Burnley are said to be interested in signing the Crystal Palace star, which gives the Baggies’ need for a right-back even more important.

But if King were to come to The Hawthorns, Morrison may push Campbell back out to the right, so long as they manage to fend off expected interest.