Kyle Bartley exit thrown into doubt after major West Brom update
Kyle Bartley appeared set for the exit at The Hawthorns this summer.
The 34-year-old has been a regular at West Brom now for seven seasons after joining from Swansea City in 2018.
His appearance against Luton on the final day of last season appeared to have been his last, with the defender not featuring in the Austria training camp game, suggesting Ryan Mason does not view Bartley as part of his plans.
Despite the speculation surrounding Bartley’s future in B13, a major update means the towering defender could be on course to stay for another season.
Bartley move away unlikely after new update
With just one year remaining on his current deal, West Brom must sell Bartley this summer if they want to receive a transfer fee for the veteran.
This may not be a simple task, according to DOOD, with the ex-journalist claiming a move for Bartley from other clubs would be unlikely, with the Englishman struggling with injury.
If Bartley were to stay, he would be unlikely to feature regularly under Mason.
Nat Phillips has been brought in from Liverpool and will likely partner Torbjorn Heggem in the heart of the Baggies’ defence upon the start of the new Championship campaign.
George Campbell has also been signed, with the American international set to provide Mason with cover and competition for places in his starting XI.
This relegates Bartley to fourth choice, and at this stage of his career, he cannot afford to sit and rot on the bench.
https://x.com/EyaWeGew/status/1947928908449411134West Brom should ask for a minimal fee to let Bartley go
Considering the servant he’s been to West Brom over the years, the least Shilen Patel could do is accept a minimal fee for Bartley to allow him to go and play during the twilight of his career.
Given his injury issues and the fact that he did not train with the rest of the squad in Austria, it is also in West Brom’s best interests to let Bartley go, as he will likely be miles off full-match fitness ahead of the new season.
If Bartley were able to get back up to speed, his experience and leadership qualities could be useful assets for Mason to have at his disposal for cover, particularly if Campbell fails to hit the ground running, for example.
It would not be the first time a player linked with a move away from The Hawthorns this summer ended up staying put, with the same happening to Mikey Johnston after his failed move to Flamengo.
The Albion will want to cash in whilst they still can, however, and an amicable parting of ways would be best for both parties.
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