Max Wilkins

Sun 31 May 2026 9:00, UK

Stoke City are interested in signing Josh Griffiths from West Bromwich Albion.

The 24-year-old has been a bit-part player at The Hawthorns ever since breaking into the first-team set-up back in 2023.

He has never truly been the number one in the Black Country and has twice been cast aside in the past few seasons in B71.

Max O’Leary and Joe Wildsmith have been preferred to the Englishman, summing up the struggles he has often faced in between the sticks.

Griffiths could soon be on his way out of West Brom, with Stoke looking to make a move for the shot stopper this summer.

Stoke City see Josh Griffiths as ideal signing

The former Bristol Rovers loanee has just never been able to solidify his place for Albion, no matter who he’s been up against.

He has largely impressed on his various loan moves away from the Midlands, but has failed to translate that into regular showings on his return.

O’Leary came in from Bristol City in the January window and was immediately handed the number one role and flourished in that.

Although his future is up in the air due to his contract situation, Griffiths could still be on his way out.

That comes as Alan Nixon reported via Patreon on Sunday that Stoke want to snap up the 24-year-old this summer.

The Potters want a new second-choice keeper, and it looks as if the Albion man is their ideal option.

He would come in at the Bet365 Stadium as the number two to Viktor Johansson after the Swede agreed a new four-year deal at the start of May.

A Potter until 2030.

Viktor Johansson commits to Stoke City.

— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) May 1, 2026

The 27-year-old is viewed as one of the best keepers in the Championship, so his extension has been seen as a real coup.

Griffiths faces an uncertain future at West Brom now and could be set to undertake a similar role 40 miles away.

Who could replace Griffiths at West Brom?

There will certainly be a need for a new shot stopper in B71 if the academy product is to seal an exit this summer.

A need for two keepers may even be on the cards if O’Leary isn’t to put pen to paper on new terms, as his short-term contract looks set to expire after a positive spell as number one.

It is a similar story for Wildsmith, who is heading towards the exit door, but could even be given a second chance in a worst-case scenario.

There is also a chance that Alex Palmer will make a return to The Hawthorns after links to a potential loan move back to the Black Country.

The Baggies certainly have plenty of options, but shouldn’t let Griffiths go to Stoke unless they are watertight in the goalkeeper role.