Ex QPR star with Premier League history available on free transfer

After eight years at West Brom, the Championship star has become a free agent.

Matt Phillips, a former QPR winger, has become a free agent after being released from Championship rivals West Brom. The 33-year-old joined the Hawthorns in 2016 and stayed for eight years.

Adam Reach, Nathaniel Chalobah, Erik Pieters, Yann M’Vila, Martin Kelly, and Jovan Malcolm have all left the Midlands club after losing in the play-off semi-finals to Southampton earlier this month.

In a statement, the club said: “Matty Phillips, who made 255 appearances, will leave after eight years at The Hawthorns.”

The 33-year-old joined the Baggies from QPR in July 2016, and has scored 31 goals in the Premier League, Sky Bet Championship, Emirates FA Cup, and Carabao Cup.

“The versatile winger played a key role in Albion’s promotion to the top flight from the second tier in 2019/20, featuring in 39 games and notching seven goals.

“Phillips made 26 Championship appearances for Carlos Corberán’s side in 2023/24, scoring three times. In an early November 3-1 win over Hull City at The Hawthorns, he scored his last goal.

Tony Pulis signed Phillips for West Brom in July 2016, after three years at QPR, for a reported £5.5 million. During that period, the winger appeared 94 times for the Rangers, scoring 14 and assisting 15.

These outings included a spell in the Premier League with Harry Redknapp and Chris Ramsey. Phillips returned to the top level with West Brom in 2016, and later helped the club re-enter the Premier League in 2020. Phillips started his career at Wycombe Wanderers, then moved on to Blackpool and Sheffield United before joining QPR.

Taking on social media earlier this week to announce his departure before club confirmation, the former QPR player said: “On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to say a massive thank you for your support over the previous 8 years, baggies! “This club will always hold a special place in my heart, and I wish it continued prosperity! You have an incredible manager and a fantastic bunch of guys that work every day to make you all proud! BAGGIES!!”