“This is surely a no-brainer” – West Brom keen to secure fresh transfer agreement: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict’ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

West Bromwich Albion are keen to sign Brighton loanee Matt Clarke permanently, according to the Express&Star. 

The centre-back is out of contract next summer and expected to leave the Seagulls in the upcoming window.

Albion are understood to be keen to sign him and Steve Bruce is set to hold talks with the player but it could be that other defenders need to leave for the move to happen.

So should the Baggies sign Clarke permanently this summer?

We quizzed our FLW writers for their thoughts…

Josh Cole

This is surely a no-brainer for West Brom as Matt Clarke has produced a host of assured displays during his current loan spell at the Hawthorns.

In the 29 appearances that he has made for the Baggies in the Championship, Clarke has produced 1.4 tackles, 1.9 interceptions and 3.1 clearances per game at this level.

Currently averaging a respectable WhoScored match rating of 6.95 in the second-tier, the 25-year-old could potentially help West Brom reach new heights in this division if the club are able to strike a fresh agreement with Brighton.

By adding some classy operators to the Baggies’ existing squad this summer, Steve Bruce could potentially launch a push for automatic promotion next season with Clarke in his side.

Carla Devine

Re-signing Matt Clarke would be a good move for West Brom. After this season, the club does require quite a lot of change in the side but Clarke has been a bright spark and one worth holding on to.

Steve Bruce has spoken highly of the player so you can see a good relationship with the