Okonkwo’s younger brother extends West Brom deal

The younger brother of Super Eagles and Wrexham goalkeeper, Arthur Okonkwo, Brian, has signed a new two-year contract with EFL Championship side, West Bromwich Albion, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2028.

Like Arthur, Brian 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, following a trial period with the club’s Under-21 side.

The 20-year-old goalkeeper impressed during his time with the youth team, making 17 appearances across all competitions and playing a pivotal role in helping West Brom’s Under-21 side reach the latter rounds of the Premier League Cup. 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.

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.

“On Brian, he came into our programme late last season, but he used that time to do a lot of work with Head of Academy Goalkeeping, Phil Smart, and in the first team with Boaz Myhill as well,” Stevens said.

“He’s an important part of our programme, and if you look at most goalkeepers, historically, they need more development time, loan moves, opportunities and patience as well. Brian made a big impact at the football club, and I believe he will benefit from the programme over the coming season.”

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, as the club continues to build its academy ranks ahead of the new season.

He now joins Josh Maja, Semi Ajayi, Osaze Odemwingie, Ifeanyi Udeze and Sam Sodje on the list of Nigerians to have represented the one-time English champions.