Following the conclusion of their 2023–24 Championship campaign, West Bromwich Albion parted ways with a number of players; however, for one of those players, the next phase of their career might see them drop to League Two.
Following the end of the 2023–24 season, the Championship team announced that the football team had discharged seven players. These included defender Erik Pieters, midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah, and seasoned winger Matt Phillips.
However, League Two underdogs Carlisle United are reportedly aiming to finalize a deal to sign Adam Reach, a former defender for West Bromwich Albion, on a free transfer, according to a report by Football League World.
Mike Williamson’s team is rumored to have set their sights on the versatile player in an attempt to avoid relegation to League Two this season. Reach is presently a free agent after failing to find a new club.
Would Carlisle’s issues be resolved by him?
Despite having a game in hand, Carlisle United is still six points from safety at the bottom of the EFL after starting 2025 with back-to-back losses in League Two.
The team has one of the weakest defenses in the division thus far this season, giving up 38 goals in 24 games and only winning four league games overall. This suggests that defensive reinforcements might be on the shopping list for
Reach, who played as a left-back at the Hawthorns, can also play as a wing-back, wide midfielder, or central midfielder, which might give Mike Williamson even more variety.
The football team has already added three midfield players, but since they may not let up many goals in the second part of the season, the addition of defenders could guarantee their safety.
The wing-back would also be bringing a wealth of elite experience to a failing team, as Reach has made 475 games in his career to date, with an incredible 375 of those appearances occurring in the Championship.
Where would he appear?
When he was with West Bromwich Albion, the 31-year-old usually played left back, but at Sheffield Wednesday, he was renowned for his steady midfield miracle goals.
The 3-4-2-1 system Carlisle United uses, in contrast to the Championship team, would initially imply that Reach would play as a left midfielder/wing-back. Cameron Harper presently fills this job, although he has had some difficulties this season, therefore a new or replacement player could boost the team’s defense.
