Semi Ajayi already in talks with West Brom’s rivals after Hawthorns exit
West Brom defender Semi Ajayi is set for a new future after being released by the Baggies.
Albion achieved a ninth-place finish in the 2024/25 season, with the Championship play-offs only just out of reach.
The season started with a successful start under head coach Carlos Corberan, however the Spaniard left Albion for his boyhood club Valencia midway through the campaign.
His replacement, Tony Mowbray, was unable to replicate the early-season success, only winning five out of his 17 games in charge, leading to his sacking in April.
Managerless West Brom are looking to rebuild and reshape the club’s future, starting by releasing 14 players from the current squad.
Two players, Ajayi and Grady Diangana, were key features of Albion’s promotion to the Premier League in 2019/20, but have now been released by the club after their contracts expired at the end of the season.
John Swift is another experienced player forced out after an unsuccessful season.
Ajayi in talks with Reading and Hull City
Ajayi had an unsuccessful end to his six-year stay at The Hawthorns, after suffering two injury blows across the season.
| Matches played | 15 |
| Minutes played | 1,230 |
| Goal involvements | 0 |
| Tackles won | 6 |
The defender only made 15 appearances this season, compared to 26 in 2023/24.
The injury blow has not reduced interest in the defender, with both League One and Championship teams interested.
Ajayi’s agent has now shared an update on the defender’s future. Speaking to Africafoot (25 April), Larry Oban said: “He’s already in talks with Reading and Hull, who admire his versatility and experience. An assessment will take place in the coming weeks, but he’ll be there somewhere next season.”
West Brom push for major overhaul
With 14 players released from The Hawthorns this summer, recruitment will play a key role in rebuilding success under new management next season.
After narrowly missing out on the Championship play-offs, the club will hope that a successful rebuild and new management could bring them closer to their aspirations of promotion.
Defender James Penrice has been linked to West Brom after becoming a regular starter at Scottish team Hearts.
For the attack, Luton Town’s striker Carlton Morris appears to be a key target, with experience that could be beneficial to the Albion squad, as Morris looks to remain in the Championship next season.
If West Brom are serious about their promotion ambitions, fresh talent is needed for the club’s rebuild alongside their hunt for a new manager.
However, without a clear new management path and the large squad number reduction, the attractiveness of the club may suffer.