In a dramatic twist to transfer deadline day, West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith is reportedly on the brink of a surprise move to fellow Championship side Middlesbrough. The potential switch comes as the transfer window is set to slam shut at 7pm tonight, adding a late flurry of excitement to the January market.
A Sudden Shift in the Pecking Order
Wildsmith finds himself as West Brom's third-choice goalkeeper following the recent signing of Max O'Leary from Bristol City. This demotion behind first-choice Josh Griffiths and new arrival O'Leary has placed the 28-year-old's future at The Hawthorns in serious doubt. According to reports from West Brom Xtra, the shot-stopper 'is set to join Middlesbrough' in what would represent a significant deadline day coup for Boro.
Contract Situation and Past Achievements
The former Derby County goalkeeper, who remarkably won the League One Golden Glove award during the 2023/24 season, has just six months remaining on his current West Brom contract. This contractual situation makes a move increasingly plausible, though it remains unclear whether the transfer would be structured as a loan deal or a permanent switch. Middlesbrough's late interest follows reports that several clubs had been monitoring Wildsmith's availability, recognising an opportunity to secure an experienced goalkeeper with proven pedigree.
West Brom's Busy Deadline Day Continues
While potentially losing Wildsmith, West Brom have already been active in the transfer market today. The club confirmed the loan signing of 19-year-old Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba from Aston Villa for the remainder of the season. The young attacker, a former West Brom academy prospect, made an immediate impression by scoring Villa's winner in their 3-2 victory over RB Salzburg just last Thursday.
Furthermore, according to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Baggies are engaged in talks with Crystal Palace regarding young attacking midfielder Hindolo Mustapha. The Sierra Leone Under-20 international has impressed at youth level, registering 18 goals and 18 assists across 64 competitive appearances for Palace's development sides.
Financial Implications and Further Business
In a parallel development, Aston Villa are expected to recall Samuel Iling-Junior from his season-long loan at West Brom. The former Juventus player, who spent last season at Middlesbrough operating as an auxiliary left wing-back, has struggled to adapt to a right-wing role at The Hawthorns. His anticipated return to Villa Park and subsequent loan move to Italian Serie A side Pisa has reportedly freed up some financial resources within West Brom's wage structure.
This unexpected budgetary flexibility could facilitate further late business for Albion. Birmingham World understands the club is actively exploring potential loan signings before the 7pm deadline. This could materialise as the aforementioned move for Mustapha—whose potential arrival might be either permanent or temporary—or could involve an entirely different target. The final hours of the transfer window promise to deliver clarity on all these developing situations.
