(Credit: Manh Tung/ Breaking Media)

Jacob Raw

Sun 31 May 2026 16:00, UK

Daryl Dike and Jed Wallace left West Bromwich Albion as free agents this summer, and the former Baggies duo are set to find themselves new respective clubs.

Shilen Patel and James Morrison will have already spoken about transfer business this summer, as some players have departed The Hawthorns.

Dike, Wallace, and Joe Wildsmith did not have their contracts renewed by the Baggies, while the club is still waiting on Josh Maja and Karlan Grant to make decisions.

Wallace was still earning big wages at The Hawthorns, while Dike’s injury issues prevented him from being a reliable player, meaning difficult choices had to be made.

However, West Brom could face some transfer regret, with the ex-Baggies duo each tipped to find new destinations.

Daryl Dike back to MLS as Jed Wallace could stay in England

West Brom announced their retained list at the end of the 2025-26 season, revealing the players who had been offered new deals and those who had not.

While Dike and Wallace were not given extensions, there was a consensus that these were the right decisions to make.

Though Dike was frustrated, the American had clear potential, and he could one day clear his injury issues up for good.

Wallace brought leadership skills and experience to Albion, and it would be no surprise to see him re-discover his old self at a new club.

According to Express and Star, MLS club Seattle Sounders are weighing up a move to sign Dike on a free transfer, while there is Championship interest in Wallace.

There are reportedly three clubs interested in signing West Brom’s former captain, with one of them being Portsmouth, who jumped on the opportunity to sign recently released Baggies star John Swift last summer.

While letting the pair go was the best move on paper, it would be typical for both of them to go on to be successful wherever they end up next.

West Brom could fish in free agent market themselves

Given Albion’s financial constraints in recent years, Patel and Co. will once again need to plan summer transfers strategically so that the club don’t get hit with yet another points deduction or fine.

To do so, the Black Country Club may need to search the free agent market, which can always have some hidden gems in it, as showcased by Hull City last summer.

Sunderland full-back Dennis Cirkin will be departing the Black Cats this summer after falling out of favour with new signings, despite playing a huge role in the club’s promotion.

Another big name who could soon be a free agent is Callum Wilson, who will most likely be a Championship player one way or another this summer, as his contract with West Ham is set to expire.

The free agent market will need to be assessed, though how much Albion would be willing to spend on wages to make deals happen is the biggest obstacle.