West Bromwich Albion’s 2026/27 season is almost here, and Tony Mowbray knows his squad is close. The transfer window has been relatively calm, with the club focusing on retaining existing talents rather than splashing cash. But if the Baggies are to finally end their Premier League exile, much will depend on the form and fitness of four specific individuals. These are the players who could turn a promising squad into a promotion-winning team.
Josh Maja: The Goal Machine Must Stay Fit
At the top of the list is Josh Maja. The Nigerian striker has often struggled with injuries since arriving at The Hawthorns, yet his goal record remains impressive. In the 2025/26 campaign, Maja netted 14 times in just 29 league starts, a rate of one goal every 177 minutes. When fully fit, he is arguably the most clinical finisher in the division. His movement in and around the penalty area pulls defenders out of position, creating space for teammates. However, after missing 13 matches due to muscle problems last term, keeping Maja on the pitch will be paramount. A fully fit Maja for 40-plus games could be the difference between automatic promotion and the lottery of the playoffs.
Tom Fellows: The Creative Spark on the Wing
Another homegrown talent expected to shine is Tom Fellows. The 24-year-old winger has developed into West Brom’s primary creative outlet. Last season, he completed 86 dribbles – more than any other player in the squad – and delivered 106 crosses. Only four Championship players bettered his expected assists total. Fellows’ direct style forces defenders to commit, and his delivery from the right flank is a major weapon. With Maja looming in the box, Fellows’ ability to find him from wide areas will be key. The former Cheltenham loanee has also improved his end product, scoring five goals last season. If he can add more consistency to his mid-game decision-making, he could easily reach double figures.
Alex Mowatt: The Midfield Metronome
In the middle of the park, Alex Mowatt remains the heartbeat of this side. At 31, the former Barnsley captain has found a new lease of life under the current coaching staff. His passing range is extraordinary – no player in Albion’s squad attempted more line-breaking passes (238) in the previous season. Mowatt also contributed 14 goal-creating actions and scored three direct free-kicks, a reminder of his dead-ball expertise. While he may lack the legs to cover every blade of grass, his positioning and game intelligence allow him to control the tempo. Against teams that sit deep, Mowatt’s ability to switch play quickly could unlock stubborn defences. The challenge for West Brom is to ensure he is not overplayed; a fresh Mowatt in the run-in could be decisive.
Callum Styles: The Versatile Defender in Demand
Callum Styles may have arrived as a midfielder, but he has become West Brom’s most reliable defender. Used primarily as a left-back in a back four, Styles offers solidity and going forward. He ranked second in the squad for interceptions (61) and clearances (152), while also chipping in with two assists. His versatility allows Mowbray to switch to a back three without making a substitution. With 19 tackles won and a passing accuracy of 84%, Styles is the modern defender: comfortable in possession and disciplined out of it. If he can cut out the occasional lapses in concentration, he could cement a place in the England squad – and more importantly, anchor Albion’s promotion push.
A Quartet with a Combined Impact
The numbers tell a story. Together, these four players were involved in 26 goals last season – 18 scored and eight assisted. That accounts for around 40% of Albion’s total league goals. To improve on last year’s eighth-place finish, that figure needs to rise sharply. Mowbray’s side will rely on this core to provide the 50-plus goal contributions required for automatic promotion.
Of course, injuries and form can change quickly, and the Championship is unforgiving. But if Maja remains fit, Fellows continues his upward curve, Mowatt stays clear of suspensions, and Styles holds the line together, West Brom have every reason to believe they can finally return to the top flight. The season kicks off in early August, and these four will be first names on the team sheet.
