Carlos Corberan under pressure to sell four high-earning West Brom players as parachute payments dry up
Carlos Corberan is under pressure to shift high-earning West Brom players due to their financial situation, according to The Telegraph journalist John Percy.
The Baggies fell to a final-day 3-2 defeat to Swansea City that left them 9th in the table at the end of a tumultuous season that included the sacking of Steve Bruce, the arrival of Corberan, and continued protests of incompetent chairman Guochuan Lai.
After failing to secure a spot in the playoffs, Corberan could be set for an immediate knock-out blow, with the Daily Mail reporting (29 April) that an imminent fire sale of several first-team stars is expected in order to balance the books at The Hawthorns.
And that news has been confirmed by John Percy at The Telegraph [11 May] who confirms that parachute payments have run out following their 2021 Premier League relegation, and the club faces a difficult summer of trading.
“West Bromwich Albion are preparing for another season in the Championship, with unpopular owner Guochuan Lai’s reputation at an all-time low with supporters.
“Parachute payments have now run out, following relegation from the Premier League in 2021, and West Brom face a tough summer of trading to lower their cost base and fulfil wage obligations.
“Carlos Corberan, the head coach, will have to sell players before buying and there is pressure to shift some high earners such as Karlan Grant, Grady Diangana, Matt Phillips and Kyle Bartley”, Percy reveals.
Testing summer
Corberan certainly faces a testing summer ahead after their failure to make the playoffs.
It’s clear the Spaniard desires to make some changes at The Hawthorns, especially in his attempts to bring in some much-needed quality to boost their chances for next season.
But, given the club’s tough financial situation right now and Lai’s continued lack of aid and support for the club, a major overhaul of the West Brom squad looks impossible.
A potential fire sale may have to happen and losing key stars such as Diangana, Phillips and Bartley may hurt the club but they certainly have to about the Baggies’ long-term future too.
Corberan turned down the opportunity to go for the Leeds United managerial vacancy earlier this season and pledged his colours to West Brom by signing a contract extension until the summer of 2027, but if he isn’t able to strengthen the squad ahead of next season, such a situation could radically alter his mindset.
The Spaniard remains the club’s biggest asset so the club must find a way of keeping things afloat behind the scenes as well as supporting Corberan in order for him to do the best job he can next season.
In other West Brom news, the club have made a desperate attempt to rip fans off now the season has ended.