West Brom ‘very likely’ to offer Kyle Bartley new contract if relegated – Madeley
West Brom are “very likely” to offer a new contract to Kyle Bartley if they are relegated to the Championship, according to Steve Madeley.
The Athletic journalist has reported that the defender will have to wait until there is clarity on who is in charge, and in what division.
Bartley’s current deal is running out at the end of this season, and Sam Allardyce has favoured him in the back four since arriving.
Writing in an Athletic mailbag, Madeley claimed that much will depend on who is in charge at The Hawthorns next season.
“If Albion are in the Championship next season, I would say it’s very likely,” he said.
“Obviously, it will depend on who the head coach is and how highly he rates Bartley, but he did well enough last season and has a lot of experience now.”
Bartley has made 14 Premier League starts this season, and has also come off the bench as a substitute twice under Allardyce and Slaven Bilic.
His partnership with Semi Ajayi seems to be improving, and they both impressed in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United last weekend.
The 29-year-old has completed 5.6 clearances per game this season according to WhoScored; nearly two more than any other player in the squad.
Bartley’s experience will be key to any chance of survival this season, but it would also be a massive help in the Championship should the Baggies drop down and look to bounce back at the first opportunity.
Whether it be a new manager or Allardyce, this may be their first priority.
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