Who will stay and who will go at West Brom? Dara O'Shea to Burnley, Jayson Molumby to Leeds

Simon Wilkes
22 June 2023

West Brom may have to sell the likes of Dara O'Shea and Jayson Molumby in this summer's transfer window having failed to reach the Championship play-offs. We look at who might stay and who might go.

West Brom fell short of the play-offs, meaning they face another season in the Championship - but this time without Premier League parachute payments.

With unpopular chairman Guochuan Lai unwilling to provide transfer funds, manager Carlos Corberan is going to have to be shrewd in this summer's transfer window.

Scottish giants Rangers have already been linked with a reported £10million bid for ex Huddersfield Town forward Karlan Grant, who also interests Stoke City.

And Albion are believed to be open to the idea of getting high wage earners such as Grady Diangana, Matty Phillips and Kyle Bartley off the books.

Grant, who signed for £15m from Huddersfield in October 2020 and has scored 22 goals in 73 league appearances, is most likely to move on this summer having failed to cement a first-team spot since Corberan replaced Steve Bruce at The Hawthorns last October.

Diangana signed for £18m from West Ham in September 2020 and has netted seven goals in 58 league appearances - but he struggles for consistency.

Phillips quickly established himself in Corberan's starting XI and was starring on the wings before injury cut his season short.

And Bartley, signed for an undisclosed fee from Swansea in July 2018, poses a threat from set-pieces but has fallen behind Semi Ajayi in the race to partner captain Dara O'Shea in the heart of Albion's backline - and faces a fight with Cedric Kipre to provide back-up.

Albion returned to pre-season training with a full squad - but it seems like Dara O'Shea is on his way to Burnley, with Republic of Ireland team-mate Jayson Molumby also possibly on his way following interest from Leeds United.

Here is a breakdown of who is likely to stay and go in what could be a busy summer at The Hawthorns, where more are expected to head out the exit door than come in through the entrance.

Goalkeepers

Alex Palmer (stay) - Established himself as Albion's number one goalkeeper in the 2022/23 season and was sorely missed when he had a spell out injured on the sidelines.

Josh Griffiths (go) - Got the nod between the sticks after several errors from David Button and took it with both hands. Corberan's clear number two keeper to support Palmer now. But Newcastle have shown an interest and the temptation of top-flight football might prove too much.

David Button (go) - Days are now numbered at The Hawthorns after several errors cost vital points in the race for the play-offs. Lost the trust of both Bruce and Corberan.

Defenders

Darnell Furlong (stay) - Has seen off a challenge from Taylor Gardner-Hickman and offers a real attacking outlet down the right flank, with his long throws also an asset for set-pieces. Feels like he needs some more competition to keep him on his toes.

Connor Townsend (stay) - Largely unchallenged at left-back in recent seasons but always gives a good display and is a better defender than Furlong. Faces competition from Zac Ashworth and relished having the captain's armband at back end of last term.

Dara O'Shea (go) - Reportedly heading to Turf Moor for a medical ahead of a move to Burnley believed to be in the region of £15million.

Erik Pieters (stay) - Has been a solid addition to the squad but started to look leggy in the final stretch. Fell out of contract this summer but might be offered a new one if the O'Shea deal goes through.

Kyle Bartley (stay) - Has had a rollercoaster ride full of highs and lows since joining Albion. Likely to be kept on if O'Shea departs and will fight Semi Ajayi and Cedric Kipre for a centre-back slot.

Cedric Kipre (stay) - The 26-year-old enjoyed a successful campaign at Cardiff City, where he featured 43 times. Former Wigan defender is contracted until 2024 and could force way into Corberan's thinking.

Semi Ajayi (stay) - Spent much of last season watching on from the sidelines - but finished the campaign in Corberan's good books - and in the first team. Classy on the ball, quick across the ground and good in the air. Likely to be first-choice centre-back.

Zac Ashworth (stay) - The 20-year-old played 18 times for Burton Albion last season and impressed. Will be a solid back-up for Townsend and could even push for a regular starting role if he gets the chance to shine.

Caleb Taylor (stay) - Central defender Taylor played 49 games in all competitions for League One Cheltenham Town and was named their Young Player of the Season. Corberan to assess 20-year-old in pre-season to see if he is ready to step up to first-team reckoning.

Kean Bryan (go) - Out of contract this summer and will be released after an injury-plagued spell with the club.

Midfielders

Okay Yokuslu (stay) - Grew in stature as the season went on - should benefit from a full pre-season under Corberan in terms of fitness - and is also a goal threat.

Jayson Molumby (go) - Came of age under Corberan's guidance and relished the role of midfield enforcer performed so well by Livermore down the years. Fine form has attracted attention of Leeds United who are likely to make a summer bid for him.

Nathaniel Chalobah (stay) - Needs to get a full pre season under his belt and could be a significant member of the first team if he can stay fully fit.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman (stay) - Has not quite made that leap into first-team regular under Corberan and will start behind Molumby and Yokuslu in the pecking order - but has a bright future ahead of him.

Tom Rogic (go) - Former Celtic playmaker arrived with great expectations - but has not lived up to them and will move on, with the club unlikely to trigger a one-year option they have.

Jake Livermore (go) - Has been a great servant to the club and will be missed behind the scenes - but has written an open letter about his exit and love for the club.

Adam Reach (stay) - Very much a utility player but is solid and dependable when called upon in various positions.

Alex Mowatt (stay) - Has a final year on his Albion deal. Spent the season on loan with Middlesbrough, where he made 31 appearances - starting 11 games. Will be aiming to impress Corberan in pre-season training and could benefit if Molumby moves on.

Attacking midfielders

Jed Wallace (stay) - Arguably the first name on the team sheet. never stops running and stretches opposition defences by staying on the wing and providing an outlet for attacks.

Matty Phillips (stay) - One of the club's big earners but Corberan is a big fan and unlocked some excellent performances before his season-ending injury. The Spaniard will push to keep him.

Grady Diangana (go) - Yet to replicate the form he showed under Slaven Bilic, and is far too inconsistent. The club would sell if they receive a decent offer this summer.

John Swift (stay) - Will be pivotal to Albion's attacking plans in the new season. Can sometimes go missing in games but his excellent set-piece delivery demands he stay on the pitch.

Marc Albrighton (go) - Will return to Leicester with a sense of disappointment having not delivered on the excitement around his arrival in January.

Strikers

Daryl Dike (stay) - The powerful £7million signing has struggled with injuries since arriving at Albion, meaning he has struggled to deliver so far. Faces months on the sidelines - giving Thomas-Asante the chance to become first-choice striker in the 4-2-3-1 lineup.

Brandon Thomas-Asante (stay) - Has adapted to the rigours of Championship football well and shown some brilliant glimpses of his finishing ability. Will benefit from a regular run of leading the line if Albion can't afford a new striker this summer.

Karlan Grant (go) - Has been linked with Stoke and Rangers - with the Scottish giants reportedly lining up a £10m bid which would rule the cash-strapped Potters out of the running.