Chris Mepham poised to join West Brom from Bournemouth as fee agreed and medical booked

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All summer, we have been waiting to see where Chris Mepham will end up, and we can now reveal he will be joining West Brom from Bournemouth.

Mepham spent last season on loan at Sunderland, where he was mighty successful. Not only was he brilliant for the Black Cats on a personal level, but he was part of the exciting team that made it through the play-offs to reach the Premier League against all the odds.

The Welsh defender has been linked with a return to Sunderland, while Wrexham and Sheffield United were also touted as potential destinations for Mepham.

Talk on Mepham’s future had gone quiet over the last couple of weeks, but with deadline day looming, it seems his situation is becoming very clear indeed, with a move to the Championship now imminent.

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Chris Mepham to join West Brom

In an EFL Analysis exclusive, we can reveal that Chris Mepham has now decided his next steps and will join up with Ryan Mason at West Brom.

Thanks to information from our Chief Football Correspondent Graeme Bailey, we understand a fee has been agreed between the Baggies and Bournemouth.

Mepham’s medical is now booked, and barring any disaster he will become a West Brom player very soon.

At this stage it is unknown how much West Brom will be paying for Mepham, but we are told this is a straight, permanent deal for the big centre-half.

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What to expect from Chris Mepham

Last season, Mepham turned out 38 times for Sunderland and racked up a whopping 3,273 minutes across the campaign.

His defensive acumen was vital to Regis Le Bris’ side, as was his experience. Statistically, the 27-year-old was simply outstanding.

Mepham clocked 1.43 tackles per 90 with a 64% success rate. He also made 1.29 blocks per 90, 0.93 interceptions per 90, and a huge 6.51 clearances per 90.

He was comfortable in possession, registering 67.1 touches per 90 minutes on average, and achieving an 86.7% pass success rate.

In short, West Brom will be getting an experienced, top flight defender who loves to get stuck in, reads the game well, and can play possession-based football. Ryan Mason must surely be pleased with his latest West Brom signing.