Alex Mowatt holding his captain armband while in action for West Bromwich Albion.

Alex MowattImago

Derby in West Brom talks to seal Alex Mowatt signing after transfer collapse

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Published on:

12 Aug 2026, 3:14 pm

Alex Mowatt is back in talks to leave West Bromwich Albion permanently.

The midfielder has had question marks around his future at The Hawthorns for what feels like months now.

And with the Championship season now days away, Derby have made their move to sign Mowatt for John Eustace.

West Brom have been busy in the market themselves, strengthening their midfield ranks significantly.

Felix Horn Myhre has signed from Brann, scoring on his debut against Rotherham, with Rabby Nzingoula arriving from Strasbourg on Tuesday.

That has opened the door for Mowatt to go.

Alex Mowatt exit has interesting backstory

This isn't the first time that Derby have tried to poach the Leeds academy graduate from The Hawthorns.

A move collapsed last season, and after being linked with a £1.5million move to Pride Park earlier in the summer again, a switch finally looks close.

John Percy has now reported that Derby have entered talks with West Brom over a permanent transfer.

The Telegraph journalist states that negotiations are back on, with Ben Brereton-Diaz another target.

#dcfc are in talks with #wba over a deal to sign midfielder Alex Mowatt. Derby were close to signing Mowatt last season and negotiations are back on ahead of a possible permanent transfer. Derby are also still keen to re-sign Ben Brereton-Diaz
— John Percy (@JPercyTelegraph) August 12, 2026

With Jayson Molumby and Ousmane Diakite alongside the two new signings, the Albion are looking to recoup fees by using unwanted players.

Intriguing sub-plot starts with Ben Brereton-Diaz

It's no secret that the Baggies and Morrison want further attacking reinforcements out wide.

West Brom are said to want Brereton-Diaz on a possible loan from Southampton, as well as Cameron Archer.

But with Derby and Sheffield United, two of his former clubs, also interested in the Chilean, it looks like a difficult move.

With two usually deployed in midfield by Morrison, he has four sufficient options ahead of Mowatt to sanction this exit.

Not only that, but significant wages will be released to use elsewhere in strengthening this squad on players like Brereton-Diaz.

It seems likely that apart from Mowatt leaving, no other business will be done before the Championship opener against Norwich on Saturday.

After that, another striker and a winger will be added for Morrison, who has adapted a new transfer strategy that may need some experience added to it.

For now, Mowatt will be wished well as he heads towards the exit.

Alex Mowatt