James Morrison smiling while managing West Brom.

James MorrisonImago

West Brom fans will be crying laughing at transfer news from Middlesbrough

Head of Editorial Standards & Recruitment AUTHORITY Former senior digital journalist at Stats Perform; network specialist in live data, editorial standards, and journalist recruitment. FOCUS Editorial standards, Statscore live data integration, newsroom operations, and recruitment. THE BRIEF Pete brings deep data expertise from his time at Stats Perform to oversee the network’s use of Statscore’s live data, setting the standard for how writers use it to produce original editorial content. He is also responsible for maintaining editorial standards and leading recruitment across the network.

Published on:

26 Jun 2026, 6:00 pm

Lewis Dobbin endured a nightmare during his loan spell at West Brom.

The versatile forward, who can play on the left frank or up front, was signed on a temporary stint from West Midlands rivals Aston Villa for the 2024/25 campaign.

However, Dobbin was an unmitigated failure at The Hawthorns, and it was little surprise when his loan spell was cut short in January 2025.

Dobbin made 18 appearances for the Baggies across all competitions, but failed to score a single goal.

All in all, it is fair to say Dobbin was just an almight flop with the Baggies, and there was love lost at all between the fans and Dobbin himself.

So, it is fair to say that many Albion supporters will laughing quite heartily at news coming from their Championship rivals.

West Brom flop Lewis Dobbin could make permanent Championship move

Dobbin has never really got a look in at Villa, and it looks increasingly unlikely that he will ever be a first-team regular at Villa Park.

Villa's development team would have been keeping a close eye on Dobbin during his time at The Hawthorns, and would not have been impressed.

Nor would they have seen much encouragement when he joined Norwich City in January 2025, though he did manage to bag a couple of goals from 11 appearances.

In the subject of fairness, Dobbin did enjoy an altogether much more fruitful spell with Preston last season, where he scored 11 goals in 41 outings.

Now, according to TeesideLive, Dobbin is the subject of interest from Middlesbrough, who are keen to strike a permanent deal with Villa.

Baggies fans did not have a great deal to celelbrate in an underwhelming 2025/26 campaign, but a few will no doubt draw a wry smile as Dobbin looks set for yet another move.

West Brom should change Premier League loan approach as success rate proves poor yield

Who could West Brom sign this summer?

West Brom have been active themselves in the last few days, doing some work to their goalkeeping department.

Josh Griffiths has departed to join Championship rivals Stoke City, with Oxford goalie Matt Ingram arriving at The Hawthorns.

Former Villa striker Cameron Archer has been heavily linked with a move from Southampton, as James Morrison seeks extra firepower.

There has even been talk of a return for popular keeper Alex Palmer from Ipswich Town, though that deal looks a tough one to complete.

Cameron Desmond Archer

Aston Villa Football Club

Lewis Norman Dobbin

West Bromwich Albion Football Club