Daryl Dike reacts as emotional West Brom exit confirmed
Ryan Mason is beginning to shape his squad ahead of his first season in charge at The Hawthorns.
With a young, exciting but unproven manager, the Baggies go into next season as somewhat of a surprise package.
As always with a club of West Brom’s size in the Championship, the aim will be promotion, most likely through the play-offs.
The Albion have already added former Liverpool defender Nat Phillips to their ranks as preparations are underway for the first game of the season against Blackburn Rovers.
Reyes Cleary announces exit from The Hawthorns
Daryl Dike is someone who has been linked with a move away from the Black Country in recent weeks.
When fit, the striker’s goal record has been impressive; however, injuries have limited his impact so far during his time at West Brom.
Whether Dike is part of Mason’s plans remains to be seen, but the striker has reacted to an emotional leaving statement posted by his teammate, Reyes Cleary
Cleary confirmed his departure with a post on his Instagram account (30 June) after 16 years at West Brom.
Dike liked the post, with Cleary set to join Barnsley in pursuit of regular first-team football.
Cleary, 21, came through the Baggies’ academy but failed to establish himself in the first team after only having made seven senior appearances for the Black Country club.
The forward had loan spells at Hartlepool and Walsall before his contract at West Brom was allowed to expire at the end of June.
| Reyes Cleary | Hartlepool stats (2024/25 season) |
| Appearences | 20 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 2 |
The Baggies will be disappointed to lose Cleary on a free. West Brom arguably could have sold the youngster last summer, as it was always evident that he was not seen as a first-team player.
Receiving a fee for Cleary, even if minimal, could have contributed to helping with Albion’s current P&S struggles.
The Baggies handed another transfer blow
West Brom looked set to drastically upgrade on Cleary by signing David Brooks on loan.
The 27-year-old would have been a fantastic signing for Mason; however, a potential move looks to have collapsed after Brooks failed his medical.
Local rivals Birmingham City could now be set to sign Brooks after being one of the other clubs vying for the winger’s signature.
It looks as though it is back to the drawing board for Mason and West Brom, with new forwards desperately being needed before the start of the Championship campaign.