£3m West Brom deal with Sheffield Wednesday was a transfer steal | OneFootball

Albion’s acquisition of Chris Brunt from Sheffield Wednesday was a masterstroke, with the midfielder becoming an iconic figure at The Hawthorns.

Chris Brunt has definitely gone down as a legend for his time at West Brom.

The Northern Ireland international was a terrific asset in the blue and white stripes, with his wand of a left foot and immense versatility two key attributes to making his time at The Hawthorns so successful.

Before moving to B71, Brunt began his career with Middlesbrough as a youngster but was unable to break into the first team picture and departed to make a name for himself at Sheffield Wednesday.

With the Owls, he earned promotion from League One and became the club's top scorer in the Championship the following campaign, despite playing as a midfielder.

The 2006/07 season saw the now 40-year-old net 11 league goals and assist 12 times, and a bigger move to West Brom came calling as the club aimed to build a strong enough squad that was capable of reaching the Premier League.

Brunt joined Albion for £3 million in August 2007, giving the club sensational value for such a small price.

This would turn into one of Albion’s biggest bargain signings in the club’s history, with Brunt’s consistent level of high performances turning him into a club icon.

Chris Brunt’s iconic spell at West Brom

Chris Brunt would go on to spend an incredible 13 seasons with West Brom, amassing 421 appearances, recording 49 goals and 89 assists in all competitions.

In his opening season, Brunt went on to score the all-important equalising goal against Southampton to help the club clinch promotion to the Premier League in the 2007/08 season under Tony Mowbray.

With effortless quality generated with his left foot, Brunt conjured up some magical strikes in Albion’s eight-year consecutive stay in the Premier League, producing a sensational free-kick at Everton in 2010 as well as thumping in a left-footed effort in October 2011 against fierce Black Country rivals Wolves.

Brunt would also go on to become one of the top assist-makers in the top-flight, with his 49 assists putting him above the likes of Harry Kane, Sergio Agüero and Paolo Di Canio.

Brunt’s versatility also contributed to his longevity in the Albion XI under many different regimes, frequently occupying the left midfield role, but was also used regularly in a whole host of positions, including right midfield, central midfield and left-back.

For over a decade, Brunt helped Albion earn three promotions from the Championship, spent eight years in the Premier League and reached an FA Cup semi-final, with such accolades demonstrating his legendary status in the blue and white stripes.

£3m Chris Burnt price tag a bargain for West Brom

After listing all the achievements Chris Brunt tallied up during his time at The Hawthorns, West Brom would not have expected those to unfold when paying only £3 million for his services.

The Baggies uncovered a gem in the heart of their midfield, who showed immense loyalty in the modern game to stick with West Brom through thick and thin, something which has helped contribute to his strong connection with the supporters.

The Northern Irish international is held in such high regard for his contributions to the club, helping assist Albion as caretaker boss after the sudden departure of Carlos Corberan in December 2024, while he still holds his role as Loans Manager with the club, helping work alongside first-team, recruitment and academy staff to nurture young players when they have spells away from The Hawthorns.