Kevin Campbell makes West Brom contract admission about Kyle Bartley, Carlos Corberan will have final say
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kyle Bartley is out of contract at West Brom next summer, and Kevin Campbell says it’s down to Carlos Corberan to decide whether he’s needed at The Hawthorns.
West Brom sit bottom of the Championship after the 2-0 loss to Sheffield United on Saturday, and much of their issues this season have lied with the defence.
At the heart of the Baggies backline is Kyle Bartley, who has endured a rocky start to the season at The Hawthorns, including a recent red card against Millwall.
The 31-year-old will see his contract expire next summer, and Campbell has admitted that Corberan could decide to let him leave rather than offer him an extension.
Speaking exclusively to West Brom News, Campbell said: “Depends on the new manager. The new manager always needs a bit of experience, but is he the answer? I don’t know.
“The new manager has to make that decision. [Carlos] Corberan might think it’s time for him to move on. It goes both ways. He hasn’t been offered anything and is in the last year of his contract.”
“As a player that makes you worry and think: ‘hold on a minute, I’d like to think they’d secure me’.
“But if they’re not securing him, then come January he could sign a pre-deal with somebody abroad, or speak to people and work out what his next move is going to be.
“I think it all depends on the manager.”
Corberan’s arrival at West Brom has to signal the start of a rebuild and a refresh in the squad. That means offloading players that don’t suit his style and investing in more suitable players that can help the Baggies escape their current situation.
Bartley’s old-school style of defending might be a major weakness in Corberan’s system as the Spaniard tries to implement his philosophy at West Brom.
Therefore, it might be best if West Brom let the English centre-back leave The Hawthorns either in January or next summer, and keep an eye on any available defenders in the winter market.
In other West Brom news, Sky Sports pundit slams Matt Phillips for his huge mistake v Sheffield United