There will be change at The Hawthorns this summer as West Bromwich Albion look to put a terrible 2025/26 season firmly behind them. Six senior first-team players see their contracts expire at the end of June, with decisions still to be confirmed about their status. Director of football operations Ian Pearce, technical director Dominic Price, and boss James Morrison have calls to make.
Karlan Grant
Grant's six years at The Hawthorns have been up and down. He has shown in recent seasons he is still very capable at this level and was missed through injury from January. The above is an argument for keeping the wide attacker around, but finances could dictate, and long-serving players likely to be big earners could be expected to lower expectations. Grant turns 29 in September and will have interest. It could be time for pastures new. Verdict: Leave
Daryl Dike
The striker's four-and-a-half years at The Hawthorns have been ravaged by injury, and on that basis, the likely outcome is an exit. The American did return to fitness and showed under Morrison he could manage a run in the side. Albion will always have to weigh up the obvious reliability factor when it comes to Dike, and the evidence of reliability has been low. The popular Dike has always shown he knows where the net is but, at 26 next month, it is time for his next move. Verdict: Leave
Jed Wallace
An exemplary club captain, losing Wallace would be a blow to the dressing room. With that in mind, as well as the form he showed prior to injury upon Morrison's appointment, there is an argument to keep the 32-year-old. Wallace has spent 18 months not playing regularly due to Tom Fellows' emergence, and chances are he will eye a chance to become a key regular starter as the winger progresses in his 30s. Many of the players in question could all make a case to continue on lesser terms, but for me, Wallace is another who will benefit from a chance to move on. Verdict: Leave
Josh Maja
A clean sweep of attacking departures here, which in itself is a challenge when coming to a rebuild, but one which could suit the club. Maja's three years at The Hawthorns have also been marred by injury to some extent. The Nigerian showed in six months early in the 2024/25 season just the talent he possesses, and a fit Maja at that level could be playing top-flight football. But, for different reasons under several head coaches, he has struggled to rediscover that quality or consistency and as a result is another who should depart. Verdict: Leave
Joe Wildsmith
The back-up goalkeeper, 30, has been on loan at play-off outfit Middlesbrough since January but not played a minute. He was handed an opportunity in place of Josh Griffiths by Ryan Mason before Christmas and could not grasp the chance. Set to move on after 20 appearances. Verdict: Leave
Max O'Leary
O'Leary has done little wrong since his short-term move from Bristol City in January where Albion looked to rectify their goalkeeping issues. Albion will have been impressed with his consistency, and there is scope to reward with a deal. The 29-year-old has a decision to make this summer. Albion will continue to scour the market for a No.1 and keep O'Leary in mind. I think the keeper has warranted a deal, but he may be keen for more first-choice guarantee. Verdict: Stay
