Daryl Dike sends message as West Brom drop exit bombshell
Daryl Dike has sent a message as West Brom announced the exits of Grady Diangana, John Swift and Semi Ajayi at The Hawthorns.
Shilen Patel is overseeing a major overhaul at the Albion after sacking Tony Mowbray, with the English manager failing to achieve a play-offs spot in the Championship.
Bilkul Football are looking for the ex-Birmingham boss’ replacement, but in the meantime, have also made some bold decisions with their recruitment choices.
The Baggies dropped a bombshell with their retained and released lists, with 14 players leaving before the start of next season.
Diangana, Swift and Ajayi exits make Dike emotional at West Brom
Swift, Diangana and Ajayi won’t be part of the West Midlands outfit’s project for the upcoming campaign as they’ve been released.
The trio’s contracts expire at the end of the season, and the Black Country club have decided against presenting them with new deals.
| Player | Championship appearances | Minutes played |
| Diangana | 34 | 1488 |
| Swift | 36 | 1741 |
| Ajayi | 15 | 1230 |
With their exits being announced on Instagram (20 May) by the Albion, Dike reacted to the post.
The 24-year-old American centre-forward commented with an emotional-face emoji and also shared it on his Instagram story.
Bilkul to oversee major overhaul at The Hawthorns
Ajayi’s injuries at The Hawthorns in recent months have been frustrating, so it isn’t surprising that the Baggies let the 31-year-old Nigerian defender leave.
Torbjorn Heggem has emerged as a brilliant centre-back option for the West Midlands outfit, and he should be part of their future defensive partnership.
Diangana lost his place in the team under Mowbray towards the end of the season as he couldn’t influence the Black Country club’s attack much.
West Brom were right to end the 27-year-old Congolese forward’s five-year stint as they look to start a fresh project.
Swift was another player who was in and out of the Albion’s starting lineup in the Championship this season, and it’ll be interesting to see where the 29-year-old English midfielder will land next.
The Baggies have been bold with releasing players, but Patel must now invest heavily in the squad next summer to build a competitive team.
With The Hawthorns faithful expecting to challenge for promotion, the recruitment team is now tasked with signing quality replacements at the Baggies.
The West Midlands outfit’s strategy in the upcoming transfer window will be one to keep an eye on.