Albion to re-sign defender Townsend from Ipswich

Conor Townsend made just 10 appearances for Ipswich after joining from West Brom in 2024 [Getty Images] West Bromwich Albion are close to re-signing defender Conor Townsend on a free transfer, BBC Radio WM understands. Townsend joined Ipswich Town from the Baggies on a two-year contract in 2024 but made just 10 appearances, mainly due to injuries. The 33-year-old's last competitive game for the Tractor Boys was a Premier League match at Chelsea in April 2025. He then suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his knee last summer, which ruled him out for the entire 2025-26 campaign as Kieran McKenna's side went on to return to the top flight at the first attempt. The left-sided player is undergoing a medical with a view to signing a one-year deal to return to The Hawthorns. He made 213 appearances during six years in his first spell with the club, which included two Championship play-off semi-finals. The Baggies are continuing to work on other deals as they remain light in certain positions, particularly in the wide areas following the departures of former skipper Jed Wallace and Karlan Grant, who returned to his former club Charlton earlier this week. Top pro adds vital experience - analysis It's a surprise return in many ways, but it's a deal that makes a lot of sense. At 33 years of age and having made just 10 appearances in the two years since he left The Hawthorns, Townsend is not about to displace Callum Styles at left-back. Despite a disappointing 2025-26 campaign for the team, the Hungarian international was undoubtedly Albion's player of the year and rightly received that award from his team-mates and the fans. The 26-year-old also featured in all but one of the Baggies' games in the Championship last season. Townsend's spell at Ipswich Town was marred by unfortunate injuries, but his game time at Portman Road was also limited by his role as back-up to Leif Davis. Having made more than 200 appearances for Albion during his previous six-year stay, he adds some vital Championship experience to the squad both on and off the field. Having worked with him previously, head coach James Morrison knows he won't rock the boat. It's a shrewd capture as it doesn't break the bank and Albion know exactly what type of player and, more importantly, what type of character they are getting. By all accounts, he's a top professional, and he was vice-captain to Jed Wallace before he left in 2024. His presence is likely to be felt more off the field than on it in the upcoming campaign, but Albion know he will do a reliable job when called upon. Latest West Bromwich Albion news, analysis and fan views