By Peter Lynch

16th Nov, 2023 | 6:10pm

New West Brom contract not on cards for Erik Pieters despite what Carlos Corberan said recently

West Brom have been enjoying themselves this season, with the Baggies certainly in contention for a play-off spot.

The Albion currently occupy seventh place in the Championship standings, with 26 points from their 17 matches so far.

And key to their strong campaign has been the presence of former Stoke City man Erik Pieters at the heart of Carlos Corberan’s defence.

But despite recently being labelled by his manager as “excellent,” the centre-back was forced to watch on from the bench in his club’s last two matches.

Pieters has made 14 appearances in all competitions so far this season, but the veteran defender was only in for a touchline view for the recent meetings with Hull City and Southampton.

Perhaps Corberan is simply managing the player’s minutes given how he is now 35 years of age, but it could be the beginning of the end for Pieters at The Hawthorns.

As per the official West Brom website (23 June), the defender signed a one-year extension at the club, which means his deal will expire next summer.

If the Baggies do manage to make it back into the Premier League, it is highly unlikely that veteran Pieters will be in for much game time given the very high standard of attacking in the competition.

And even if they don’t return to the top flight this season, Corberan may decide to call it a day on his reliable centre-back, with new blood perhaps then needed in order to bring the Albion back into the big time.

In other West Brom news, one Baggies star has given Corberan an easy contract decision with a 100% display recently.