West Bromwich Albion are navigating a season fraught with challenges, not least their precarious position in the Championship relegation zone. As the club fights to retain its second-tier status, attention is turning to the summer, when seven first-team players are scheduled to become free agents, potentially heralding significant squad changes.
Season of Struggle and Uncertainty
The Baggies have endured a dismal campaign, falling short of expectations and leading to managerial upheaval. After parting ways with Ryan Mason, new boss Eric Ramsay has struggled to inspire a turnaround, failing to secure a win in his first five matches. This instability compounds the anxiety among supporters, who are left wondering which division the club will compete in next season.
Historically ambitious for a Premier League return since their 2021 relegation, West Brom have been far from that level this term. Currently, they sit just a point above the drop zone, a position underscored by a recent goalless draw with Stoke City. Factors such as Leicester City's point deduction and Blackburn Rovers' struggles offer little consolation, as the threat of demotion to League One looms large.
Defensive and Goalkeeping Concerns
In goal, Max O'Leary, a recent arrival from Bristol City on a six-month deal, is poised to become a free agent. Expected to serve as the number one until May, he has limited time to prove his long-term value. Meanwhile, Joe Wildsmith, once seen as a potential successor to Alex Palmer, has seen his stock fall dramatically. A loan move to Middlesbrough has left his future in doubt, with his contract expiring upon return and an extension appearing unlikely.
Midfield and Attack in Flux
The midfield and forward lines also face upheaval. Ousmane Diakite, the Mali international, has been a reliable squad player with 25 appearances this season, but his future remains uncertain. Club captain Jed Wallace, despite over 130 matches for West Brom, has not replicated his Millwall form and faces pressure to improve performances to secure a new deal.
Up front, Karlan Grant, in his sixth season, has struggled since an 18-goal campaign in 2021-22, now sidelined with a hamstring injury. Josh Maja, once a bright talent, has failed to regain form post-injury and finds himself behind Aune Heggebo in the pecking order. Most notably, Daryl Dike, the £7m signing from nearly five years ago, has been plagued by injuries and limited gametime, scoring just eight times in 46 matches.
As West Bromwich Albion confronts these contractual dilemmas, the summer promises to be a period of transformation, regardless of the club's final league standing. The performances of these seven players in the coming months could be pivotal in shaping both their own futures and the team's prospects for the next season.
