Cardiff City, Charlton Athletic and Derby County Should Monitor Karlan Grant’s Situation as West Brom Exit Nears
Karlan Grant appears increasingly likely to end his six-year association with West Bromwich Albion this summer, opening the door for several Championship clubs to secure an experienced attacking player without paying a transfer fee.
The 28-year-old joined the Baggies from Huddersfield Town in 2020 in a deal reportedly worth £15 million. During his time at The Hawthorns, Grant has experienced a rollercoaster spell. At different stages, he has been one of the club’s key attacking figures, while at other times he has struggled for regular opportunities and found himself on the fringes of the squad.
His first season at West Brom ended in disappointment as the club was relegated from the Premier League. However, Grant responded impressively upon the team’s return to the Championship. He enjoyed his most productive campaign in Albion colours, scoring 18 league goals to finish as the club’s leading scorer despite the team’s disappointing mid-table finish under Steve Bruce.
Unfortunately, he has not been able to replicate those numbers in the seasons that followed. Since that standout campaign, Grant has failed to score 10 or more goals in a single season, leading to inconsistent involvement and eventually a loan move to Cardiff City during the 2023-24 campaign.
His spell in South Wales proved beneficial. Grant rediscovered some of the confidence and determination that had been missing from his game, and when he returned to West Brom, then-manager Carlos Corberán helped him regain an important role within the squad. His improved work rate and performances resulted in his second-best scoring return for the club. However, a serious hamstring injury suffered early in 2026 disrupted his momentum and ruled him out for a significant portion of the season’s closing stages.
Although West Brom had reportedly hoped to extend Grant’s contract, journalist Darren Witcoop has claimed that the forward is now expected to leave the club this summer alongside fellow attackers Daryl Dike and Josh Maja.
After making 145 appearances and scoring 32 goals for Albion across all competitions, Grant is expected to begin a new chapter elsewhere. A move to another Championship club could provide the fresh start he needs to rediscover the consistent goalscoring form he displayed earlier in his career.
With that in mind, three Championship clubs stand out as logical destinations for the experienced attacker.
Cardiff City
Cardiff City would be one of the most obvious candidates to pursue Grant following his successful loan spell at the club.
When opportunities became limited at West Brom, Grant joined the Bluebirds and quickly established himself as an important player under Erol Bulut. He started 37 of the 39 Championship matches for which he was available, contributing six goals and two assists while becoming a firm favourite among supporters.
One of Grant’s greatest strengths during his time in South Wales was his versatility. Although he was most commonly deployed on the left wing, he also featured as a central striker and occasionally on the right-hand side, giving his manager valuable tactical flexibility.
With Cardiff preparing for life back in the Championship, strengthening the squad with experienced players who understand the demands of the division will be essential. Grant already knows the club, the supporters appreciate his qualities, and he has previously demonstrated that he can perform well in Cardiff colours. Signing him on a free transfer would represent a low-risk move with potentially significant rewards as the club aims to secure its Championship status throughout the 2026-27 campaign.
Charlton Athletic
Charlton Athletic could also emerge as a realistic destination, particularly given Grant’s strong connection with the club where his professional career began.
A product of Charlton’s academy, Grant progressed through the youth ranks before breaking into the senior team in 2014. His breakthrough season came during the 2018-19 League One campaign, when he scored 14 goals in just 28 league appearances. Those performances convinced Huddersfield Town to sign him during the January transfer window, providing him with his first opportunity to compete in the Premier League.
Charlton successfully retained their Championship status under Nathan Jones last season, exceeding many expectations. The club’s next objective will be to establish itself as a competitive Championship side and eventually challenge higher up the table.
Grant’s adaptability could make him an excellent fit within Jones’ tactical setup. He possesses the ability to operate behind the main striker as an attacking midfielder, while also leading the attack when required. That flexibility would provide Charlton with multiple attacking options and strengthen the squad across several positions.
A return to The Valley would also represent an emotional homecoming, giving Grant the opportunity to revive his career at the club where his football journey first took off.
Derby County
Derby County are another club that should seriously consider making a move for Grant during the summer transfer window.
The Rams are believed to be searching for additional attacking options out wide and have already been linked with Brighton winger Tommy Watson. However, Grant could offer an attractive alternative due to his wealth of Championship experience and the fact that he would be available without a transfer fee.
At present, Derby’s left-wing options are limited following Ben Brereton Díaz’s return to Southampton. Corey Blackett-Taylor remains the club’s primary natural option on that side, but recurring injury problems have limited his availability.
Adding another proven winger is therefore a priority, particularly given the physical demands of a 46-game Championship season. Grant would provide quality, experience and valuable squad depth, while also bringing versatility through his ability to play in multiple attacking roles.
Although Grant himself dealt with injury towards the end of last season, he has generally been a reliable performer throughout his career and is approaching 250 Championship appearances. His knowledge of the division, combined with his technical ability and attacking versatility, could make him a smart acquisition for Derby as they aim to compete for promotion.
Conclusion
As Karlan Grant prepares to leave West Bromwich Albion, several Championship clubs have reasons to be interested in signing him. Cardiff City would welcome back a player who previously impressed on loan, Charlton Athletic could reunite with one of their academy graduates, while Derby County would benefit from adding an experienced and versatile attacker to strengthen their promotion ambitions.
Available on a free transfer, Grant represents a relatively low-risk signing with considerable Championship pedigree. In the right environment, a fresh start could help him rediscover the form that once made him one of the division’s most dangerous attacking players.
