The sooner West Brom forgets about the 2025/26 season, the better, but despite finishing in 21st place, there were some positives in terms of point defence.

The Baggies received much-deserved credit at the conclusion of the season for how well structured they were under interim manager James Morrison, when they went on a 10-game undefeated streak to avoid relegation.

West Brom kept seven clean sheets in eight games leading up to the final day, avoiding relegation to the third tier for only the second time in club history, despite receiving a two-point deduction for violating profit and sustainability regulations.

However, their defence was something to be proud of throughout the season, as the Baggies allowed the fewest shots on target in the Championship while also conceding the third-fewest anticipated goals, according to Opta.

With Nat Phillips, Chris Mepham, and Krystian Bielik at the club, that is to be expected, but new arrival George Campbell settled in perfectly after joining from MLS side Montreal, performing well at right back and then at centre back during the latter stages of the campaign when the Baggies went on that impressive run of clean sheets.

West Brom fan commentator does not expect George Campbell to leave this summer.

Following a great debut season at the Hawthorns, it’s no wonder that Campbell is being linked with a move elsewhere. According to reports from last month, Celtic are keeping an eye on him and the 24-year-old is interested in joining the Scottish champions.

With fellow USMNT centre-backs Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty playing at Celtic Park, and the latter winning a berth in Mauricio Pochettino’s World Cup team this summer as a result of his season at Celtic, the link makes sense.

Callum Burgess, a Baggies fan analyst for FLW, believes the defender will not be leaving anytime soon. Burgess suggests that West Brom should set a high price for him, which Celtic may not pay.”I’m confident in Albion’s chances of keeping Campbell this summer,” he stated.If he leaves, he is expected to fetch around £5 million, a significant amount for a Scottish team to pay for a player.I guess I’d be concerned if someone from a large European team came in for him, but I’d expect him to stay with Albion for at least this season.”

Celtic did, however, spend more than £5 million to recruit Trusty a few years ago, with the American international costing an estimated $7.8 million. They also spent more money that summer, with Arne Engels costing the club a record £11 million.

Still, it’s debatable whether the reigning Scottish champions need to sign someone like Campbell this summer, with Trusty, Carter-Vickers (when fit), and Liam Scarles providing plenty of centre-back competition.

It may not be a question of whether Celtic can afford Campbell, but rather if he is a worthy investment this summer.

West Brom would get a major boost if George Campbell stays at the Hawthorns next season.

With West Brom’s depth at centre-back, some may argue that losing Campbell isn’t the end of the world, especially if he demands a reasonable sum.

In his first season in England, the 24-year-old was perhaps the greatest defender among a talented generation of Championship players. According to Fotmob, he rated in the top 5% of centre-backs for defensive contributions, blocked shots, and clearances, as well as the top 6% for aerial duels won.

He had an 84.9% pass completion rate and more than 1,500 completed passes, indicating that he was both good with the ball at his feet and dominant in the air.

Furthermore, his versatility, which allows him to play on the right or centre, is vital to the Baggies because he can cover anywhere needed. If he can progress following a solid debut season in the Championship, he could be worth even more than the rumoured £5 million that Burgess has placed on him this time next year.

West Brom are anticipated to improve significantly next season and regain their position as one of the division’s top teams. Campbell, if he stays at the Hawthorns, will play a significant role in making that happen.