‘No-brainer’ – Everton man explains deadline day exit to EFL side

Everton defender Mason Holgate has said joining West Brom on loan was a ‘no-brainer’ decision.

On the day of the deadline, West Brom pounced to temporarily resign the centre-back. During the 2018–19 season, he spent a stint with the Championship team.

In order to obtain more playing experience, Holgate, 27, was allowed to depart Everton once more. June of next year marks the expiration of his Goodison Park deal.

Regarding his return to the Baggies, he said on the team’s official website, “I’m over the moon to be back.” I was pushing it as soon as I heard there would be a possibility to come here, and it was obvious. Since joining a few years ago, I’ve felt a deep connection to the club. The first time, I felt so at home.

I’ve stayed in touch with a couple of the boys and I’ve attended the occasional game. The transfer was really chaotic and completed rather late. There is no better location to be, in my opinion. I’m glad I waited to get the club that has special meaning for me because if I could have chosen any other place to come, it would have been here.

“I have a special bond with the supporters. The last time I played here, we came up short in the Play-Offs due to penalties, but the supporters have always been fantastic to me when I’ve played against Albion.

West Brom man on new move

To give West Brom’s defence greater depth and competition, Holgate has returned to The Hawthorns.

During his first stint there, he made 23 appearances for them in all competitions and contributed one goal, but they fell to rivals Aston Villa on penalties in the play-offs that year.