Alex Palmer spent the majority of his career in the Championship with West Bromwich Albion, but the goalkeeper is now under contract with Premier League club Ipswich Town.

It may be said that Alex Palmer’s recent success is a result of his patience and tenacity. After spending much of his early career on loan from West Bromwich Albion, the goalkeeper seized his moment with the Baggies and established himself as one of the Championship’s most dependable players.

His consistency became his most valuable attribute at The Hawthorns, and his assured handling and ability to make crucial saves rapidly made him a fan favourite. Palmer’s performances drew interest from other clubs, and his form eventually earned him a transfer to Ipswich Town.

The goalie position in Ipswich Town and West Brom

Football can change quickly, especially for goalkeepers. Competition for slots is high, and if a first-choice spot is lost, it can be tough to regain. West Brom have had this problem for the past 18 months, since he joined Ipswich in the Premier League prior to their relegation to the second division.

Joe Wildsmith made seven appearances, while Josh Griffiths played 24 times, until Max O’Leary joined in January and played 16 games. The former has been released, while Griffiths has left for Stoke City. O’Leary has stayed and been joined by Matt Ingram, but there has been a significant revamp at the Hawthorns.

Palmer has had similar experiences with Ipswich. Despite arriving with a solid reputation from his time at West Brom, he steadily dropped down the pecking order during their Championship campaign last season. Christian Walton ended up playing the majority of the minutes between the posts, leaving Palmer on the margins despite his past performances.

Ipswich’s most recent transfer activity tends to support that changing scenario. After securing promotion, the club bolstered their goalkeeping department with the arrivals of Kayne van Oevelen and Kjell Scherpen. The latter arrived in recent days, leaving Ipswich with an excess of senior goalkeepers, as Palmer, Walton, and David Button are already on the books.

West Brom have to solidify up interest in Ipswich Town’s Alex Palmer.

The expectation for Ipswich is that at least one goalkeeper will leave before the transfer market ends, possibly two. On paper, Palmer currently appears to be no better than third choice, making regular football increasingly tough to come by unless his status changes.

That should quickly pique the interest of his former employers. The Baggies have already been linked with a return to The Hawthorns for the 29-year-old, while Blackburn Rovers and West Brom are also apparently interested. Ipswich’s recent enterprise may make such a move even more logical.

Rather than sit out another season, Palmer could return to the club where he played his finest football and become a regular starter again. It would also make good commercial sense for West Brom. Palmer is already familiar with the club and its expectations, so he will need little time to adjust.

Goalkeepers capable of regularly excelling at Championship level are difficult to find, but Palmer has already demonstrated that he can flourish under the pressure that comes with playing for a club anticipated to compete near the top of the division. O’Leary may have been the best option they had last season, but James Morrison will recognise Palmer as an upgrade if he is now available.

Ipswich and West Brom may both gain from the Alex Palmer arrangement.

Ipswich could also benefit from reducing their goalkeeping choices. There is little point in having numerous experienced senior goalkeepers if only one or two are likely to play, especially given the signings of van Oevelen and Scherpen.

The former could yet go out on loan, but Scherpen, Walton, and Button are enough. Cieran Slicker has joined Barnsley on loan, and a sale for Palmer may make the most sense, given Ipswich’s need for more cash to fuel their Premier League campaign. That’s where West Brom can help them.

A reunion appears to be a good idea for everyone involved. Palmer would reclaim the regular football that his career requires, West Brom would welcome back a goalkeeper they know they can rely on, and Ipswich could streamline a crowded position. Sometimes the simplest transfer solutions work best, and this appears to be one that would suit everyone.