Kyle Bartley doubt emerges at West Brom after new transfer announcement
West Brom have completed a great bit of business in making Nat Phillips their first signing of the summer transfer window.
Phillips has experience playing at the highest level and has been identified as a great leader in the dressing room, arriving from Liverpool.
However, that has led to questions over the ongoing role of Kyle Bartley at The Hawthorns.
Bartley future questioned after Phillips signing
Phillips’ leadership qualities were mentioned by West Brom sporting director Andrew Nestor after the deal was completed.
He said: “Nat will bolster an already strong back line and brings with him leadership qualities, which really stood out for us.”
In a show for BBC Radio WM Sport, Baggies commentator Steve Hermon questioned whether Ryan Mason might drop Bartley to pair Phillips and Torbjorn Heggem in his back four.
“It’s interesting that they mention leadership qualities. I wonder what it spells for Kyle Bartley, his future. He, of course, was wearing the captain’s armband for the majority of last season.
“Is it going to be Nat Phillips and Tobjorn Heggem going forward?”
Hermon also questioned whether there would be an immediate future at The Hawthorns for Caleb Taylor. The 22-year-old was shipped out on loan to Wycombe last season, but many fans have been hoping that he would break into the team next year.
Mason will aim to do his business early in the transfer market
Phillips will get a full pre-season under Mason, who has beaten several other Championship clubs that were sniffing around the defender.
This is Mason’s first transfer window as a manager, but he will be aware of the benefits of getting your business done early.
This will allow his new signings more time to bed into the team and understand his tactics. It also prevents other clubs from stepping in at the last minute.
Ultimately, Mason was the one who swooped for Phillips and got the deal done quickly.
| Appearances | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists |
| 32 | 2241 | 1 | 3 |
It has also been suggested that more arrivals could be due at The Hawthorns this week.
Could the deal for Lawrence Shankland finally get over the line? The Baggies declared their interest in the Hearts striker a while ago, with his contract expiring.
A loan deal for Spurs winger Mikey Moore could also be on the cards, and Mason would love to have these possible moves done before West Brom start their pre-season friendlies.
If an abundance of leaders is his biggest problem when these friendlies start, he’s likely doing something right.
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