West Bromwich Albion are considering a move for Lyon's French goalkeeper Remy Descamps, according to reports emerging from France. The Championship club, currently without a permanent manager, are looking to bolster their squad during the January transfer window.
Baggies Join Race for French Stopper
The news, first reported by the respected French outlet L'Equipe, indicates that West Brom hold an 'interest' in the 29-year-old shot-stopper. They are not alone in their admiration, with second-tier rivals Hull City also mentioned as potential suitors for the player.
Descamps, who stands at 6ft 5in, is currently under contract with the Ligue 1 giants until June 2027, meaning Lyon are in a strong negotiating position. Since his arrival at the Groupama Stadium in 2024, he has been utilised primarily as a backup option, making 10 appearances across all competitions. Seven of those outings have come during the current campaign.
West Brom's Search for Consistency
The transfer speculation comes at a turbulent time for the Midlands club. The Baggies recently parted ways with head coach Ryan Mason, whose tenure ended after a disappointing 2-1 away defeat to Leicester City. The club currently languish in 18th place in the Championship table after 26 games, having struggled for form, particularly on their travels.
With the search for a new manager ongoing, the recruitment team appears to be pressing ahead with plans to strengthen the playing squad. The goalkeeping department is a noted area of focus following the sale of Alex Palmer to Ipswich Town over 12 months ago. Current senior options Joe Wildsmith and Josh Griffiths could face increased competition if Descamps arrives.
What Descamps Would Bring to The Hawthorns
The Frenchman's career path shows a player seeking regular football. A product of the PSG academy, after youth spells with Lille, Tarbes and Clermont, he gained experience via loans to Tours and Clermont before securing permanent moves. He has since played for Belgian side Charleroi and French club Nantes before joining Lyon.
His potential acquisition is seen as a move to create robust competition for the number one jersey at West Brom. Meanwhile, the situation at fellow interested party Hull City appears to have shifted. The Tigers are now expected to complete the signing of Seny Dieng from Middlesbrough to compete with Ivor Pandur and Dillon Phillips, effectively ruling them out of the pursuit for Descamps.
West Brom's immediate focus turns to an FA Cup third round tie against Swansea City this weekend, but behind the scenes, work continues to reshape the squad before the transfer window closes on Monday 2nd February.
