West Brom 2025/26 Season Preview: Transfers, Tactics & Predictions

Four seasons and counting – the time it has been since West Bromwich Albion were last in the Premier League. For a team that were so long marked as one of the top 20 household names in English football, it is concerning to see them struggle so much in pursuit of regaining top flight status.

What makes matters worse is that the Baggies have only managed to achieve playoff football once in the second tier following their 2021 relegation, inviting very little hope to the Black Country.

OFFICIAL: West Brom have been relegated from the Premier League after a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates. pic.twitter.com/YlNCZhrxc5

— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) May 9, 2021

As West Brom try to excite themselves for another fresh campaign in the Championship, we will analyse the club’s transfer business throughout the summer, how we think they will set up tactically, and predict where we think the Baggies will end up in nine months time.

Summer Transfer Window: Who’s In & Who’s Out?

West Brom have defined quality over quantity with their summer business. Only bringing in three players so far and retaining the core of their squad, the Baggies certainly haven’t been enticed by the stereotypical ‘rebuild’ that clubs undergo after a disappointing season.

Instead, they have bolstered key areas with a sprinkle of talent. But this process didn’t come cheap, after acquiring players such as Nat Philips from Liverpool and Aune Heggebø from Brann for a combined cost of £7 million.

Their third transfer came by way of another defender in George Campbell from Montréal in the MLS. However, the American arrived through a much smaller fee.

With just under a month until the transfer window closes, many expect West Brom to get a few more bodies through the door before it’s too late, especially considering they are a club who will be itching to improve on last year.

(West Brom Arrivals 2025/26: Transfermarkt)_

The only players to have vacated from the Baggies were players out of contract, such as John Swift, Semi Ajayi, Grady Diangana and Ted Cann. Meanwhile, the West Midlands outfit have regained possession of their star-studded loanee from last season, as Caleb Taylor has arrived back from Wycombe Wanderers.

(West Brom Departures 2025/26: Transfermarkt)

From this, Albion’s squad has been strengthened, with the incoming of three highly rated central defenders.

Furthermore, their capacity to score goals has only improved, with the retention of Mikey Johnston, Tom Fellows and Josh Maja, alongside the introduction of Heggebø who managed seven goals in 13 Eliteserien games prior to his transfer.

However, the general consensus floating around the club’s fan base is that their business has been slightly underwhelming so far. It has in no way been the transfer window you would expect from one of the league’s larger clubs and has not ignited dreams of promotion.

Tactical Outlook: What to Expect on the Pitch

With West Brom not making too many alterations to their squad from last season, the players will be very familiar to the classic 4-2-3-1 system that has been enforced for years now.

However, the club have recently followed the EFL trend of bringing in a young manager, through their appointment of Ryan Mason. Mason is one who has already built a wealth of experience in coaching due to the early retirement from his playing days.

𝗥𝗬𝗔𝗡 𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗢𝗡'𝗦 𝗪𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗕𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗪𝗜𝗖𝗛 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗜𝗢𝗡. 🫶

— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) June 2, 2025

Throughout past experiences in charge, the former Spurs man has operated with strong defensive shape and has played his football out from the back within a similar formation to what West Brom have used.

Ryan Mason also likes to play with heavy pressure to force opponents into playing the long ball. The acquisitions he has made this summer certainly benefit his system, as he now has an abundance of high-quality defensive players at his disposal.

With this, West Brom may be able to cut out some of the futile errors that led to them conceding goals last season. It was some of these goals that resulted in the Baggies only picking up a draw rather than a win, as they drew a staggering 19 times.

Here is how we believe West Brom will line up:

Season Expectations and Predictions

West Brom have endured quite a lot of turbulence on their quest to get back to the Premier League. Last season, they finished ninth in the Championship, which is simply not good enough for a club of their stature.

Although they have added a few strong assets to the squad, it may not be enough to improve on their performance from last year – especially with the rising competitiveness of the Championship.

There have been many concerns from the fan base regarding where their club will end up this season, as a lot of people think a mid-table finish is on the cards.

One thing for certain is that there are plenty of teams in the same division that have splashed the cash this summer and look more worthy of being promotion candidates.

Prediction

• League Finish: 11th
• Top Scorer: Josh Maja or Aune Heggebø
• One-to-Watch: Isaac Price or Caleb Taylor