West Brom are among a host of EFL clubs understood to be weighing up a free agent swoop for Rangers star Tom Lawrence.
Wrexham, Middlesbrough, Burnley, Coventry City, Blackburn Rovers and the Baggies have all been credited with an interest in the 31-year-old forward by the Daily Mail.
The Welsh international moved to Ibrox in the summer of 2022, having spent five seasons in the Championship with Derby County.
The Manchester United academy graduate is set to see his Rangers contract expire at the end of the season, which has been the catalyst for the transfer talk surrounding him.
The Gers do have the option to trigger a 12-month extension to his contract should they wish.
“Not the right fit” – Lee Hendrie makes Tom Lawrence, West Brom transfer claim
Speaking exclusively with Football League World, we asked Sky Sports pundit and former player, Lee Hendrie: ‘West Brom are being linked with a move for Tom Lawrence on a free. Would he be a good signing for the Baggies? Is he needed?’
Hendrie said: “I think he’s one of them players that knows the Championship really well.
“He’s proven that he can play in the Championship, he’s gone up to Scotland and done relatively well. I think if that’s the route that West Bromwich Albion are going to go down, then he has got quality, he has got experience, and he has been a captain at Derby as well.
“So, knowing that he has that captain’s experience, and experience alone, yes, maybe he would be a good signing. I think maybe the Baggies at the moment, I feel possibly have to look further afield to a lot more younger players, if I’m being relatively honest.
“I think that you look at their squad of players, and yes, they do have a decent squad, but most of them players are relatively older rather than younger, which I feel might not be a good fit for West Bromwich Albion.
“Yes, if he’s on a free transfer, there’s a possibility of taking him in. But, I think if he’s going to go into a squad where it’s a lot younger, then maybe the fit is the right one.
“Personally, for me, I don’t think he’s the right fit for West Bromwich Albion.”
West Brom could see Tom Lawrence as cheap John Swift replacement – He may not be long-term Albion answer though
West Brom may be searching for a new, versatile attacking midfield option this summer, as John Swift is set to hit the free agent market.
Albion boss Tony Mowbray confirmed in mid-March that no contract talks between the club and the 29-year-old midfielder had taken place, and as such, his three-year spell at The Hawthorns looks to be coming to an end this summer.
As such, the club may well be looking for his replacement, and in Lawrence, they would find a solid, cheap option, who has still shown that he can provide goals at a decent level with Rangers this season.
| Tom Lawrence’s last 2 seasons with Rangers (all comps) – stats per FotMob | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 23/24 | 32 | 3 | 3 |
| 22/23 | 9 | 3 | 1 |
However, at 31, and having been deployed more as a rotational squad player during his time in Glasgow, he may not provide enough quality to truly cement a starting role for the Baggies.
Therefore, whilst his signature may be tempting from a value and squad depth perspective, West Brom could perhaps find better options out there in the transfer market if they wish to make another big Premier League promotion push next season, or give them a better chance of survival in the top flight should they get there this season.
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