‘Kyle Bartley announcement days away’ as West Brom update emerges
Kyle Bartley’s time as a West Brom player looks set to be coming to an end.
West Brom still have a remarkable amount of work to do this summer in preparation for their first Championship campaign under Ryan Mason, though most of the focus remains on players departing The Hawthorns.
Mikey Johnston’s exit appeared imminent after a deal was struck with Flamengo, though that move has now fallen through, potentially leaving the door open for Bartley to be the next player to move on.
West Brom are said to be happy to sanction his exit, with a fresh update on his future emerging as the Baggies jet off to Austria for pre-season.
West Brom ready to sanction Bartley exit amid latest absence
After such a poor end to the season last time out, several Albion players came in for some heavy criticism, though perhaps none as much so as Bartley.
His performances declined as the season went on, and his exit from The Hawthorns this summer is appearing more and more likely after DOOD reported via X (7 July) that the defender did not travel to Austria with the rest of the squad.
| West Brom | Games | Duels won % | Tackle won % |
| Bartley | 31 | 70.5% | 56% |
His absence hasn’t been clarified, but it would be safe to assume he isn’t in the plans of Mason, who will be looking for a more mobile defender to implement his style of play.
Given his experience in English football, there will be suitors for Bartley, and there is a chance that his exit from The Hawthorns could be just days away after his absence was revealed.
Mason could turn to Caleb Taylor in Bartley absence
Caleb Taylor impressed on loan at Wycombe last season, and he will almost certainly remain with the Baggies for the new Championship campaign, unless a big bid comes in.
His ball-playing ability and physicality are exactly what West Brom need, though they will almost certainly look to bring another centre-back through the door if Bartley leaves.
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