Aston Villa coach reacts as West Brom finalise transfer
Aston Villa coach Mark Naylor has sent a heartfelt message to Alex Palmer after the goalkeeper sealed his exit from West Brom.
The fan-favourite at The Hawthorns has been announced as Ipswich Town's new shot-stopper, joining the Premier League team on an initial £2million deal which could rise to £4million [Sky Sports News].
Palmer has been with the Baggies since the age of 14, experiencing several loan spells before becoming the first-choice 'keeper and has now made 103 senior appearances since March 2022.
Reacting to the news [3 February], former West Brom coach Naylor wrote: What a journey it has been. Arrived at 14 with a huge appetite to improve, Never gave up & backed his own ability.
"Excited to see how he progresses in the Premier League. The next one in line is ready as well..."
Alex Palmer waves goodbye to West Brom
This is one of the biggest shocks of the transfer deadline day, but it is no surprise to see Palmer being linked with a move to the Premier League after several stellar seasons in the Championship.
The 28-year-old currently looks to be in the prime of his career and absolutely deserves a move elsewhere, so many will be pushing him on and become the reason that Ipswich stay in the Premier League.
It is a massive shame for the Baggies due to how key he has been, especially in the last two campaigns, as Tony Mowbray looks to secure a Championship play-off spot.
Only James Trafford, Illan Meslier and Michael Cooper have more clean sheets than him in the Championship this season, having finished joint-first for the Golden Glove last term.
Luckily for the Baggies, as Naylor points out, Josh Griffiths could be the next exciting talent to come through the academy, having returned from his loan early from Bristol Rovers.
In other West Brom news, an Adam Armstrong twist has emerged as a loan fee update drops at The Hawthorns.