West Brom can't sanction Alex Mowatt exit, there's an obvious reason why

Alex Mowatt's West Brom future has come under the spotlight once again in recent days.

The Englishman's deal expires in the summer of 2027, so it is the final chance for Albion to secure a fee before he leaves on a free transfer.

The veteran is understood to be attracting interest from across the Championship, given his situation with the West Midlands outfit.

West Brom are reportedly listening to offers for Mowatt and supporters seem keen for him to move on.

The Baggies are looking to rebuild after a disastrous season which nearly saw them relegated, and Mowatt may not be a part of it.

However, James Morrison could be making a huge error if he sanctions a departure.

What do the numbers tell us about Alex Mowatt's future?

Mowatt was far from the problem for the B71 side last season, despite fans' opinion on him.

He recorded 35 shots last season, which ranked in the 80th percentile for midfielders in the division.

He claimed four assists and created 53 chances, which put him in the 88th and 92nd percentiles among his peers for those metrics.

This stat alone should be reason enough for West Brom to push to keep him.

The 31-year-old completed 31 interceptions, which ranked in the 80th percentile for his position.

He made 155 recoveries, which is in the 82nd percentile for the midfielders in the second tier.

His ground duel success rate of 55.2 per cent had him in the 75th percentile, meanwhile.

Aerial duels were his main weakness, with a win rate of just 46.3 per cent, putting him in the 47th percentile.

Surely Morrison will recognise that he could still be a valuable asset for his side next season.

West Brom exit may be a bad look

The numbers suggest that the Baggies have an easy decision to make on his future.

They are very impressive and suggest that he can still do his job at both ends of the pitch.

It seems like it would be a huge mistake to allow him to depart, and in fact, Albion should seek to extend his stay in the Black Country beyond next summer.

If they let him join a league rival, and he goes on to star for them, it would be a bad look for the hierarchy.