West Bromwich Albion must be clever in their handling of attacking transfers this summer, according to former striker Kevin Phillips. Six senior players are out of contract at The Hawthorns, including four long-serving attackers. With the club having secured Championship survival, a rebuild is on the horizon under new head coach James Morrison.
Contract Expirations and Fresh Blood
Striker duo Josh Maja and Daryl Dike, along with wingers Jed Wallace and Karlan Grant, all see their deals expire. Phillips, who won the golden boot and promotion with the Baggies, believes the club could benefit from fresh blood but warned that overhauls can be tricky.
"They're players that have been there a while, they've all got their qualities, but sometimes you think 'should I freshen that squad up, move people on?'" Phillips told bestbettingsites. "They're probably on decent money, they'll free up some funds to go and strengthen in different areas. But sometimes when you let too many go, it's not that easy getting players in."
The Risk of Overhaul
Phillips cautioned that a mass exodus could leave the club in a difficult position during pre-season if targets are not secured. "All of a sudden you could find yourself in a bit of a situation come pre-season, you haven't been able to secure the targets that you wanted. So I think you have to be very clever," he said. "Jed Wallace, Daryl Dike, Karlan Grant have got qualities, so it'll be interesting to see what happens. Maybe it is a time for West Brom to look at something else, move these players on and get some fresh blood into the squad."
Support for Morrison and Maja
Phillips has previously backed Maja, Albion's 12-goal top scorer in 2024/25, for a new contract. However, the Nigerian spent months sidelined with injury and has been unable to rediscover his best form. Fellow striker Dike has endured four-and-a-half injury-hit years at The Hawthorns, though he scored crucial goals in the late-season survival push under Morrison.
The Championship pundit hopes to see Albion support Morrison with the necessary funds to turn around fortunes. Executive director Mark Miles reaffirmed last week that the club's profit and sustainability regulations position is clearing from the summer, with owners Bilkul backing the Baggies.
"I think he deserved it," Phillips said of Morrison's appointment. "I think a lot of the fans, or most of the fans, are delighted that they've acted very quickly and given him the job. Now they can let him work over the summer with players moving on potentially, then players coming in. I hope they've been able to give them enough funds to go and strengthen that squad. And I think they'll be there or thereabouts next season."
Respect and Challenge Ahead
Phillips highlighted that the players performed well under Morrison and that he has their respect. "So I think with a reshuffle this summer, players leaving and coming in, they will be challenging next season for sure," he concluded.
Phillips was speaking to bestbettingsites as part of his weekly column.
