Opinion: Why Steve Bruce is right to take current West Brom transfer stance on position amid other priorities

West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Bruce has revealed he isn’t focused on adding another goalkeeper to his squad despite the departure of Sam Johnstone, speaking to Sky Sports.

The 29-year-old is set to join Crystal Palace after rejecting the chance to remain at The Hawthorns, leaving a void in Albion’s goalkeeping department as they look to get back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

However, capable options in David Button and Alex Palmer are able to step up to the plate and with this and their futures secured after seeing both sign new deals, they should be looking to prioritise other areas.

The first position they desperately need to take a look at is left-back, with Conor Townsend the only senior, orthodox option available for the Baggies at this stage despite Adam Reach’s ability to fill in.

With Bruce looking to play a back four next season though, Reach would be burdened with extra defensive responsibilities and with this, it may be an idea to find a more solid backup for Townsend, even though the latter managed to remain fit throughout the majority of the 2021/22 campaign.

19-year-old Zac Ashworth could emerge as a first-team option for the second-tier outfit for 2022/23 and beyond – but he hasn’t managed to establish himself as a key part of Bruce’s plans like Taylor Gardner-Hickman has and with this, he may benefit from a full season of senior football under his belt elsewhere.

The midfield is another department that arguably needs to be looked at despite Jayson Molumby joining permanently – because an alternative to Jake Livermore could help to provide the freshness that Albion’s manager wants. Hamza Choudhury is still a potential option, though it’s currently unclear whether they will be able to