Goalkeeper Alex Palmer now looks likely to remain at West Bromwich Albion this summer.
According to the Express & Star, Luton Town’s efforts to sign Alex Palmer from West Brom have come to nothing. Talks have broken down after the Premier League new boys had an initial offer of £2.5 million accepted, as reported by TalkSport on their Twitter page.
Baggies boss Carlos Corberan recently admitted that he wasn’t directly involved with the negotiations. However, he will be relieved to keep Palmer at the club. The Spanish coach had already been preparing for life without Palmer, giving Josh Griffiths the nod in a recent friendly. However, with Palmer set to stay, Corberan’s plans for the new season will change back to their initial start point.
The 26-year-old shot-stopper has spent his entire career at the Hawthorns, having come through the club’s academy. He is highly-rated at the club, and his progress has been aided by several loan moves, including a stint with Luton. Palmer has also found valuable game time with Kidderminster Harriers, Plymouth Argyle, and Lincoln City.
Palmer established himself as Albion’s No. 1 last season, making 23 Championship appearances for the club. It would have been a major blow to West Brom to lose the 6’3” shot-stopper this summer having invested so much into his development.
They will now be hoping that Palmer’s future with them is assured. The player must now focus on maintaining his progress and cementing the role between the sticks at West Brom as his own.
Palmer is vital to West Brom
Losing Palmer this close to the new season getting underway would have been a disaster. The former England under-16 international has become so important to the team, so quickly. Reflecting on his rapid rise, Corberan himself said of Palmer, “he deserves all the praise he is getting. He is playing with a lot of maturity,” as quoted by The Athletic.
Things could still change, though. Luton may well return with a better offer. Another club may enter the race for the talented goalkeeper. Given West Brom’s disadvantaged position in this summer transfer window, due to the financial struggles being faced by the club, it is hard for them to fend off persistent interest in their players.