Baggies sign Derby keeper Wildsmith on two-year deal

Image source, Rex Features

Image caption, Joe Wildsmith kept 20 clean sheets in League One for Derby County last season

West Bromwich Albion have signed goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith on a two-year deal following his departure from Derby County.

The 28-year-old made 43 appearances for the Rams last season as they won automatic promotion from League One.

He is Albion's third summer signing following midfielder Ousmane Diakite and defender Torbjorn Heggem.

Albion's first-choice keeper is Alex Palmer, who was an ever present in the 2023-24 season.

Last term's reserve keeper Josh Griffiths, who signed a new three-year contract last month, was allowed to join League One side Bristol Rovers on loan earlier in the day.

"We felt it was essential for Josh Griffiths to go out on loan this season and in Joe we have a really good goalkeeper coming in," said Albion boss Carlos Corberan.

鈥淭o have both the Championship and League One Golden Glove winners in our squad shows that we have excellent quality in this department.鈥

鈥淚鈥檝e experienced the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday before," said Wildsmith. "So I鈥檝e had that exposure at this level which is great for me.

鈥淚鈥檓 really pleased to be back in the Championship. Especially after last season鈥檚 efforts of winning promotion with Derby."