West Bromwich Albion have completed the surprise re-signing of defender Conor Townsend on a one-year deal just months after his exit from Ipswich Town. The 33-year-old left The Hawthorns for Portman Road in August 2024 but made only 10 appearances for the Tractor Boys due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained last summer, which ruled him out of the entire 2025-26 campaign. His most recent competitive game came in a Premier League match at Chelsea in April 2025.
Why the move makes sense for West Brom
Townsend’s return to The Hawthorns arrives as West Brom sit second in the Championship on 84 points from 46 games, 11 points behind leaders Coventry with the new season yet to start. The Baggies are light in wide areas after the departures of former captain Jed Wallace and Karlan Grant, who rejoined Charlton earlier this week. Townsend, who made 213 appearances during his first six-year spell with Albion, adds Championship experience both on and off the pitch. Head coach James Morrison previously worked with him and knows exactly what he’s getting: a reliable professional and former vice-captain under Wallace.
Townsend’s Ipswich Town struggles
Townsend’s spell at Ipswich was disrupted by injuries and limited game time. He featured in just 10 games across two years, often as back-up to Leif Davis. The club scored 80 goals and conceded 47 last season, finishing second with a +33 goal difference, but Townsend’s injury meant he missed the run-in. His exit was confirmed as Albion moved to shore up their squad before the new campaign.
What comes next for Townsend and West Brom
Townsend is unlikely to displace Callum Styles at left-back given his age and recent injury history. But his presence will be felt more in the dressing room and training ground than on the pitch. Albion are understood to be working on further deals to bolster their wide options. For Townsend, it’s a chance to rediscover his form and add to his 213 Albion appearances.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 2nd in Championship, 84 pts, 23W-15D-8L from 46 games, recent form WDDWD.
