West Bromwich Albion and manager Ryan Mason are heading towards a pivotal period, with significant contract decisions looming for nearly a dozen first-team players. The club faces the prospect of seeing several key figures depart the Hawthorns for free next summer if new deals cannot be agreed.
The Looming Contract Expirations
The Baggies are still recovering from a major squad overhaul this past summer, which saw twelve players exit the club. High-profile departures included young talent Tom Fellows moving to Southampton, while established names like Darnell Furlong, Grady Diangana, and Semi Ajayi left upon the expiry of their contracts. With only nine new signings arriving, the squad's depth was reduced, a situation that could be exacerbated in 2026.
The future of the players approaching the end of their deals is intrinsically linked to the club's performance in the Championship. With recent form causing concern, retaining experienced players has become even more critical for stability and success.
Key Players Facing an Uncertain Future
Josh Maja presents one of the most urgent cases for the club to resolve. The 26-year-old striker has recently returned from a long-term injury that sidelined him since January. While he is still regaining full match sharpness, he is considered the most natural finisher at the club. There is a genuine risk he could secure a pre-contract agreement to leave England as early as January, allowing him to depart for nothing in the summer.
The situation with Karlan Grant is equally pressing. The forward, who cost the club £15 million in 2020, has largely failed to meet expectations. Reports suggest West Brom may look to sell the 28-year-old in the January transfer window to recoup some of their investment and avoid a free transfer next year.
American striker Daryl Dike's time at Albion has been ravaged by injuries. In nearly four years, he has made just 46 appearances and scored only one league goal since the 2022/23 season. With just three appearances this term, it appears increasingly likely this will be his final season with the Baggies.
Additional Squad Members and Loan Departures
Club captain Jed Wallace is another player whose future is in doubt. The 31-year-old, who has made 135 appearances since his 2022 arrival from Millwall, has seen his role diminish recently amid his own injury concerns.
Midfielder Ousmane Diakite has earned a more regular starting spot in recent weeks. The club holds an option to extend his deal by an extra year, and his future will likely be determined by his performances for the remainder of the campaign.
Backup goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith has yet to feature this season and sees his contract expire in 2026. His future may depend on whether the club promotes a goalkeeper from its academy, as there are currently only two senior goalkeepers in the squad.
Furthermore, the end of the 2025/26 season will see three loan players return to their parent clubs: Samuel Iling-Junior (Aston Villa), Toby Collyer (Manchester United), and Charlie Taylor (Southampton), unless permanent transfers can be negotiated.
