West Brom analysis: Albion’s goalkeepers rated - Who should Ryan Mason start between the sticks?
With the departure of Alex Palmer halfway through last season, Albion considered two options for the vacant role - academy graduate Josh Griffiths and back-up goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith.
Griffiths spent half of last year on loan at Bristol Rovers in League One, in a struggling side that produced some fantastic performances and kept their hopes of survival alive.
His recall in January did not come as a shock to many Albion fans, as he was considered the ideal successor to Palmer, but his opportunity did not come straight away, with Wildsmith being given the nod.
However, it was a nightmare start for the former Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper, who soon found himself replaced as number one by Griffiths.
Here, Transfer News Blitz writer Fergus Brennan has rated the Baggies’ current shot stoppers and looked at who Ryan Mason could bring to the Hawthorns.
Josh Griffiths - B+
Josh Griffiths has a huge season ahead.
Having previously been touted with a move to Newcastle United in previous windows, Griffiths is far from a poor goalkeeper.
After joining the Baggies’ academy at the age of ten, he showed huge potential, and this was proven when he was called up by England U18s coach Neil Dewsnip for a friendly against Mexico in 2019, where he made his debut at the age of 17.
This would be repeated for both the U20s and U21s, as he continued to improve with successful loan spells at Lincoln City and Cheltenham Town.
But with the start of the campaign edging closer, the Englishman looks to have asserted himself as first-choice goalkeeper for West Brom.
Griffiths’ performances in 2025 were not considered to a high standard by the majority of Albion fans, with a few errors creeping in, but with what the club had at their disposal, he looked the ideal choice to tough out the end of the season.
Nerves will have been a factor in his performances, and with a new season comes a fresh slate, and many will be hoping the highly touted goalkeeper will fulfil his potential under the leadership of Mason.
Joe Wildsmith - C
Having replaced Palmer in January and having played a large role in Derby County’s promotion campaign the previous season, many Baggies fans had reasonable expectations of Wildsmith.
However, these hopes slowly faded, as Wildsmith featured just ten times and conceded nine goals during the second half of the season.
The 29-year-old then found himself being called out by the fans for mistakes that were proving crucial to Albion’s play-off push, and Tony Mowbray eventually made the difficult decision to replace him as No.1.
It was difficult for Wildsmith as a lot of pressure was heaped upon him following Palmer’s departure, and there really was no room for error, but he will be hoping to impress as cup goalkeeper for the upcoming season and turn a few heads.
Noel Törnqvist - a potential signing?
Noel Törnqvist would be a great signing for West Brom.
Under the Bilkul ownership group, Albion have started a trend of signing players from Scandinavia with the acquisitions of Tammer Bany, Torbjørn Heggem and Aune Heggebø.
With all mentioned above, this model of investment could lead them to 23-year-old Mjällby AIF goalkeeper Noel Törnqvist.
The Swede stands at six foot-three inches and has played a pivotal part in his side topping the Allsvenskan with a save percentage of 76.9%.
He has also represented Sweden at U17, U19 and U21 levels and guided his side to the Swedish Cup final in 2023.
Recently, there has been speculation linking Törnqvist with a move to Leeds United and Charlton Athletic, but if the Baggies pounce first, it could cost them as little as £2million.
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