West Bromwich Albion has signed Brian Okonkwo, the younger brother of Super Eagles and Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, to a new two-year contract.

The 20-year-old goalkeeper impressed during his time with the youth team, making 17 appearances across all competitions.

What happened?

Brian Okonkwo began his football career at Arsenal's Hale End Academy, featuring for the Gunners in League Cup and Premier League 2 fixtures before joining West Brom on a one-year deal last summer. He also featured for the club in the Premier League International Cup, where his shot-stopping in crucial moments helped Albion's young professionals compete against high-calibre opposition.

Why it matters for West Bromwich Albion

West Brom Academy Manager, Richard Stevens, said the new deal reflected the club's confidence in Okonkwo's progress since arriving at the Hawthorns in September 2025. Stevens noted that Okonkwo worked with Head of Academy Goalkeeping, Phil Smart, and in the first team with Boaz Myhill. The club is currently 21st in the Championship with 51 points, 13 wins, 14 draws, and 19 losses from 46 games, and 44 points behind leaders Coventry.

What comes next?

Okonkwo's new deal was announced alongside contract extensions for three other West Brom youngsters, defender Jamal Mohammed, goalkeeper Ben Cisse, and fellow shot-stopper Will Rutter. The club continues to build its academy ranks ahead of the new season, with Okonkwo now joining Josh Maja, Semi Ajayi, Osaze Odemwingie, Ifeanyi Udeze, and Sam Sodje on the list of Nigerians to have represented the one-time English champions. As the team looks to improve its standing, with 48 goals scored and 58 conceded, Okonkwo's extension is a positive step forward. With a recent form of LDWWD, West Bromwich Albion will look to build on this momentum in the upcoming season.