West Brom in position to make major contract decisions after Shilen Patel update
West Brom are in a strong position to tie several exit-bound stars down to new deals as a result of Shilen Patel’s takeover, according to football finance expert Dan Plumley.
Several members of Carlos Corberan’s squad will see their contracts expire at the end of the season including Grady Diangana, John Swift, Semi Ajayi, Jayson Molumby, Kyle Bartley and Darnell Furlong [Transfermarkt, 16 October].
Although it is not yet clear whether Albion will be keen to extend all these player’s deals, Plumley believes Patel’s takeover at The Hawthorns will boost the Baggies’ chances of reaching new agreements.
“I would say so,” Plumley exclusively told West Brom News.
“You look at any kind of fresh-ish takeover and look at the things that they try to act decisively and quickly on once that takeover is completed is trying to hit the ground running and have your priorities in order.
“My view on that would be that it puts them in a good negotiating position, but they’ve still got to act decisively and quickly of course.
Will Grady Diangana exit West Brom amid recent transfer rumours?
“We know how quickly that market moved nowadays and we know that with all those players getting good game time and West Brom looking pretty good on the pitch, those players will be in the spotlight.
“There is that double-edged sword to it, but for me, new ownership and new direction gives you a chance to get your negotiating position in early to tie those players down, if that’s what you want to do.”
It will be hard for Albion to be too proactive with their contract decision this season as there is uncertainty around what division the Baggies could be playing their football in next season.
But the hands-on nature of Patel and the new owners at The Hawthorns should mean that West Brom are in a position to match or better any offers any of these players could receive elsewhere in the coming months.
Hopefully, most of the exit-bound players in Corberan’s ranks will be tied down to new deals sooner rather than later.
In other West Brom news, Swansea City have made a new Adam Reach decision after his Albion exit this summer
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