West Bromwich Albion’s summer transfer business just got a lot more interesting after Derby County confirmed they’ve signed former Baggies defender Charlie Taylor.
The Rams announced on Tuesday that the 32-year-old left-back has joined on a permanent deal, just months after he left Southampton when his contract expired. West Brom fans won’t soon forget Taylor’s nightmare 2025-26 campaign at The Hawthorns, where his errors contributed to the club’s relegation battle.
What happened to Charlie Taylor at West Bromwich Albion?
West Brom signed Taylor on loan from Southampton last season, but the move quickly turned into a disaster for both club and player. The Baggies were dragged into a desperate relegation fight under three different managers, with Taylor’s shaky performances - including costly own goals - making him a symbol of the club’s struggles.
His average FotMob rating of 6.50 reflected consistent errors, and Southampton showed him the door when his contract ended this summer. Now, Taylor has landed at Derby County, a side that finished 12 places above West Brom last season in eighth - just five points off the play-offs.
Why this move stings for West Brom fans
West Brom are still licking their wounds from a 21st-place finish in the Championship, sitting on 51 points from 46 games with a goal difference of -10. Every error matters in a tight league, and Taylor’s arrival at Pride Park means the Baggies will face him twice next term.
Derby host West Brom at Pride Park on 9 September, with the return set for 7 April. Morrison’s men will be desperate to turn Taylor’s weaknesses into points when those fixtures arrive.
What comes next for West Bromwich Albion?
James Morrison’s side are already reshaping the squad, with strikers arriving and others departing. Cameron Archer is reportedly next on the wishlist, as West Brom chase reinforcements to boost their attack.
Josh Maja and Karlan Grant could yet leave The Hawthorns, while Morrison eyes more signings to steady the ship. The Baggies closed 2025-26 with strong form - four points from their last two games - but the league gap to Coventry remains stark at 44 points.
West Brom’s season kicks off with a real test: can they turn last year’s late escape into a platform for progress? With Taylor now at Derby, the answer may hinge on avoiding his mistakes - and finding the right signings to fill the gaps.
