West Bromwich Albion are weighing up a free transfer move for ex-Aston Villa defender Kortney Hause as they look to strengthen their promotion push.
The 30-year-old has been without a club since leaving Villa in June, but interest is mounting from the Championship and League One.
Baggies Leading Chase
According to SportsBoom, Albion have been monitoring Hause closely and could hand him the chance to revive a career that has stalled due to a string of injury setbacks. Rivals Blackburn Rovers and Derby County are also keen, with both clubs enquiring about the player’s availability.
Hause, a former England Under-21 international, is comfortable at centre-back or left-back and would add valuable depth to West Brom’s defensive options. With no transfer fee required, the move is seen as a low-risk gamble providing the defender can prove his fitness.
His career highlight came in 2019 when he joined Villa on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers and later signed permanently, playing a part in the club’s promotion back to the Premier League. However, despite making 18 appearances in the top flight during his debut campaign, he struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular.
Loan spells and limited opportunities followed, with his time at Watford in 2022 disrupted by a succession of knee, groin, ankle and hip injuries. That pattern ultimately led to his release by Villa earlier this summer.
Hause Speaks Out
The defender recently opened up about his frustrations on social media, appearing to take aim at Villa’s handling of his rehabilitation:
“Could things have played out a lot better if it wasn’t for the injuries and the lack of support from the club while dealing with the injuries? Most definitely! No doubt! But nevertheless, making it to the Premier League isn’t a coincidence or by luck. I was made for this s—. Gotta write the ending to my own story. Still that. God’s perfect plan. Amen.”
Those words underline Hause’s determination to continue at a competitive level, with Albion potentially ready to provide him with a platform to reignite his career. The coming weeks will prove decisive as he looks to demonstrate his fitness and secure a deal before the window closes for free agents.
Writer’s View
For West Brom, this represents an opportunity to add experienced depth to a squad aiming for promotion. Hause’s availability on a free transfer makes him an appealing option, though his injury record is a major concern. If he can regain full fitness, the defender’s versatility and top-flight experience could make him a valuable addition.
The Baggies will be wary of the risks, but the potential rewards may outweigh them if Hause is able to stay fit and focused.
