Alex Palmer vs Max O'Leary: Stats prove if West Brom should re-sign academy graduate
Alex Palmer may return to West Bromwich Albion this summer after struggling at Ipswich Town.
The 29-year-old moved to the Tractor Boys in February 2025 for an initial £2million fee as he became their number one in the Premier League.
Kieran McKenna relied on the English shot-stopper at the start of last season, but he was quickly dropped to the bench after some underwhelming displays.
Ipswich are now back in the Premier League, with Gary O'Neil set to take charge, but Palmer's future remains uncertain, with a move to The Hawthorns possible.
If the Albion truly believe they need to re-sign their academy graduate, it wouldn't be surprising to see Bilkul Football get a deal over the line.
The shot-stopper's prospects at Portman Road look bleak, but it remains to be seen whether the Baggies will make a move after tying Max O'Leary down to a new contract.
Alex Palmer may have work cut out at West Brom
Even if Palmer returns to West Brom this summer, there's no guarantee he can stake a claim as the number one.
Last season, O'Leary's arrival in the winter transfer window was one of the reasons the Baggies avoided relegation.
According to Sofascore, the 29-year-old Irishman made 39 saves and had a goals-prevented score of 0.2, having conceded 18 goals and keeping nine clean sheets.
West Brom News have covered the possibility of Palmer returning to The Hawthorns, but it may not be worth it.
The Ipswich goalkeeper isn't the player he once was, conceding 10 goals in 10 Championship appearances last season, keeping just one clean sheet and recording a goals-prevented score of minus 2.3.
James Morrison has different transfer concern at The Hawthorns
Karlan Grant has officially signed for Charlton Athletic after leaving West Brom as a free agent.
Josh Maja is also yet to sign a new deal at The Hawthorns and it looks like Morrison will be without him for next season.
Barney Stewart and Jimmy-Jay Morgan have signed for the Baggies, but a new reliable number nine should still be a top target for them.
The Albion clearly lack someone with experience to lead the line for Morrison and their promotion hopes could potentially hinge on it.
Right now, Palmer returning isn't a priority and the stats just prove it.