Everyone's focusing on West Brom's transfers - but Isaac Price tells the bigger story
West Bromwich Albion look to be building for a sustainable future around Isaac Price.
While the transfer rumour mill will receive much of the focus from the Baggies' faithful, it's the 22-year-old midfielder who highlights the bigger picture in B71.
The Northern Ireland international was Albion's talisman at the start of the 2025-26 campaign, but his form, like that of every other player, tailed off massively.
James Morrison ensured West Brom survived relegation from the Championship and Price played a pivotal role in achieving that goal.
Veterans like Jed Wallace have now departed the Black Country outfit, and Josh Maja and Karlan Grant are also free agents right now after their contracts expired.
Experience has been replaced by youth and energy at The Hawthorns and Price embodies those attributes better than anyone.
How Isaac Price has become the benchmark at West Brom
West Brom's planning seems to be revolving around Price, who had 11 goal contributions in the Championship during the 2025-26 campaign.
Instead of focusing on which position the Baggies need to strengthen, the focus should be on who can bring the best out of the Northern Irishman.
Barney Stewart provides the work-rate needed up front to complement the attacking midfielder, while Jimmy-Jay Morgan stands out as the player who can make runs in behind defences.
The two young forwards bring attributes to The Hawthorns that can unlock Price's true potential, as he looks set to become the face of the team.
Why Isaac Price development matters most at The Hawthorns
West Ham United have been linked with Price this summer as they look to rebuild their squad after relegation to the Championship.
Regardless of who comes and goes at the Baggies this transfer window, it will be the Northern Ireland international whose continuity in B71 is of the utmost priority.
Morrison's rebuild is looking promising for now, but all the positivity around The Hawthorns will dissipate if Price leaves in the coming weeks.
The young midfielder is clearly the centrepiece of the rebuild at the Albion and he can drive them back to the Premier League with his goals and creativity.