Kyle Bartley clause emerges after West Brom contract announcement
West Brom defender Kyle Bartley has signed a new one-year deal with the club, which could be extended if he meets an included clause.
The Albion confirmed on their official website [1 June] that the 33-year-old will be staying put for a further year at the Hawthorns, having come to the end of his previous contract on 30 June.
Bartley’s new deal also includes a clause which will automatically trigger a 12-month extension if the centre-back meets a certain number of appearances, similar to that of Alex Mowatt.
Mowatt was also confirmed to be staying with the Baggies for a further year, ensuring that amid a summer of change, Carlos Corberan will still have two of last season’s regulars to call upon [Official Website, 1 June].
Keeping Kyle Bartley crucial for West Brom next season
The Baggies squad is set to undergo its biggest overhaul for some time in the next few weeks, with several of the club’s biggest names having already headed for the exit door.
Matt Phillips, one of few longer-serving players than Bartley in the Albion’s side last season, headlines a list of departures that also includes veteran defenders Erik Pieters and Martin Kelly [Instagram, 21 May].
Furthermore, Bartley’s regular centre-back partner over the last campaign, Cedric Kipre, also saw his contract expire on 30 June, but unlike the 33-year-old, isn’t expected to be seen in a Baggies shirt again [Express and Star, 22 June].
That leaves Corberan with work to do considering just one new signing has been made so far in the transfer window – midfielder Ousmane Diakite – but having Bartley as a constant presence at the back will be a welcome retention for the Spaniard.
Defensive reinforcements will likely join the ranks before kick-off in August, and if the Baggies want to continue last season’s challenge for Premier League promotion, they’ll need Bartley to do his bit.
In other West Brom news, the club have made contact to sign Josh Windass.
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