George Campbell: We Watched Him so You Don't Have To

With West Brom fans crying out for signings, they have been rewarded with a very exciting, shrewd acquisition in George Campbell from Major League Soccer side CF Montreal.

The 24-year-old US international is departing the MLS after making 116 appearances across all competitions, signing a four-year deal at The Hawthorns to add to Ryan Mason’s side ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Campbell is the third summer signing under new head coach Ryan Mason, alongside fellow centre-back Nat Phillips and striker Aune Heggebø.

USA ➡️ WBA. 🇺🇸

George Campbell is a Baggie! ✍️

— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) July 18, 2025

Style of Play

Campbell brings athleticism, ball-playing ability and versatility to West Brom, making him an important signing for them.

His 6’2″ frame, pace and aggression in pressing suit Mason’s high-intensity, possession-based style, aiming to build a robust Championship defence.

His progressive passing, physicality and versatility are a strength the centre-back possesses.

Campbell can play as both a centre-back and right-back, this versatility strengthens West Brom’s defensive options, complementing existing players like the aforementioned Nat Phillips.

Campbell is noted for his calm possession and excellent passing range, ranking highly in tackling and passing metrics. This could unlock West Brom’s attack against compact defences, addressing their struggles under previous management. His progressive style aligns with the club’s aim to build from the back.

West Brom’s focus on bolstering their backline, evident with signings like Phillips, suggests Campbell is part of a strategy to improve defensive solidity after inconsistencies under previous management.

Campbell has one international cap, debuting for the USA in a friendly against Venezuela last January.

Gonzalo Pineda was Campbell’s coach at Atlanta United in 2021 and had plenty to say about the defender:

I can see a centre-back with tremendous potential. He’s a centre back that is physically gifted. His aggression when he presses between the lines is fantastic.

The Season Ahead

The Baggies finished 9th in the Championship last season and will no doubt want to improve on that with a view to a possible play-off run.

After a strong start to their campaign, form suddenly dipped with nine draws in ten games by late November.

With 12 goals, Josh Maja finished as the clubs top league scorer despite picking up an injury in January. The 26-year-old moved to the Hawthorns from Bordeaux in 2023 and will be crucial in their hopes to gain promotion back to the Premier League this season.

Having been in season since February 2024 with Montréal, Campbell is match-fit and can integrate quickly during pre-season, a critical time as West Brom prepare for their Championship opener against Blackburn Rovers on August 9, 2024.

Campbell’s blend of versatility, physicality, and progressive play positions him as a valuable addition to West Brom’s squad, with the potential to become a key starter if he adapts quickly to the Championship’s demands