West Brom can seal much-needed windfall by cashing in on Kyle Bartley
Kyle Bartley’s stay at West Brom has been extended by a year after a clause was triggered.
This wasn’t something that either party did, but it was an appearance-based clause that he reached.
Despite that, the Baggies must sell Bartley this summer to capitalise on his contract extension, as his recent performances and disciplinary issues highlight a diminishing return on his value.
Bartley has let the team down with his reckless defending
The 33-year-old defender, a long-time servant since joining from Swansea in 2018, has shown inconsistency this season, with errors and reckless challenges overshadowing his experience.
Notably, during Sunderland’s 1-0 win at The Hawthorns, Bartley’s lunging challenge on Wilson Isidor went unpunished, despite former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett deeming it a “reckless” yellow-card offence.
Speaking exclusively to Mackem News, the former PGMOL official said: “That is a reckless challenge that should have resulted in a yellow card.
“The law clearly states: Reckless is when a player acts with disregard to the danger to, or consequences for, an opponent and must be cautioned.”
| Position | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Points |
| 10 | 44 | 14 | 18 | 12 | 60 |
This incident, among others, saw referee Tom Nield heavily criticised, with Sunderland fans decrying the dreadful Championship officiating standards.
Bartley’s earlier red card against Sheffield Wednesday for elbowing Svante Ingelsson further underscores his lapses in judgment, costing West Brom his presence for three matches.
West Brom need to raise funds from Bartley’s sale
His big-money contract and appearance-based extension offer a financial opportunity to reinvest, avoiding the risk of retaining an ageing player prone to costly mistakes.
Moving Bartley on is essential to refresh the squad and maintain West Brom’s promotion aspirations.
Selling the 33-year-old could free up wages and funds for West Brom, given his age and injury concerns, like knee issues.
His departure would allow investment in younger, more dynamic defenders to bolster a defence that struggled with consistency.
Strengthening the midfield with creative playmakers and adding pacey wingers could enhance attacking fluidity, improving their chances of securing promotion from the Championship.