West Brom make Joe Wildsmith decision after Middlesbrough loan spell - and release ex-Barnsley FC star
West Bromwich Albion make Joe Wildsmith decision after Middlesbrough loan spell - and release ex-Barnsley star
Former Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith has been released by West Bromwich Albion following the conclusion of his loan spell at Middlesbrough.
The 30-year-old, who represented the Owls at senior level between 2014 and 2022, ended the 2025/26 campaign in Middlesbrough’s ranks.
He was on the bench for the recent Championship play-off clashes with Southampton, playing understudy to Sol Brynn.
Wildsmith will be allowed to seek pastures new upon the expiry of his Baggies deal this summer, with his Hawthorns stay ending after 20 appearances.
It has not worked out for the former England youth international at West Brom and he will be hoping to recapture the form he showed in his Derby County days at his next club.
West Brom, who narrowly avoided relegation to League One, have also announced the departure of former Barnsley loan star Daryl Dike.
The American forward scored nine goals in 22 appearances for the Reds during an explosive loan spell back in 2021. He joined West Brom in January 2022 but has seen his time in the Midlands marred by injuries.
West Brom confirm high-profile exits
A spokesperson for the Baggies said: “Daryl remained a popular figure around the club and with its supporters owing to his positive attitude in the face of adversity - finishing last season by memorably scoring against Preston North End and Watford.
“Wildsmith - who spent the second half of the 2025/26 season on loan at Middlesbrough - departs after making 20 appearances for Albion.”
Another high-profile name on West Brom’s list of released players is winger Jed Wallace, who arrived at The Hawthorns from Millwall in the summer of 2022.
Wildsmith, Wallace and Dike are all likely to attract EFL interest this summer as they enter the free agent market. It promises to be an interesting summer for the trio, who will be looking to bounce back from difficult spells.