West Bromwich Albion Have Confirmed An Agreement With A Defender.
West Brom centre-back Kyle Bartley will stay at The Hawthorns until June 2026 after an activation of a performance-related clause within his contract.
Albion were set to lose Bartley at the end of the current season but the 33-year-old, set to turn 34 next month, has now played enough games to extend his stay. It’s a boost for West Brom as Tony Mowbray has taken well to Bartley and sees the veteran defender as an important player.
Formerly of Swansea City, Leeds United and Birmingham City, Bartley joined West Brom in July 2018 for around £4 million. The Englishman has racked up an impressive 228 appearances for the Baggies, scoring 14 goals. It’s been by far the most productive stay of Bartley’s career as the club he’s appeared for the second most is Leeds, with 50 games played.
Mowbray is delighted Bartley’s situation has been resolved but has hinted transfer business could still be conducted to address the lack of depth and quality in central defence.
“He’ll be around next year, his contract dictates he’ll be around next year,” Mowbray revealed to our sister publication, the Express & Star. “I’m happy he’s going to be around next year – but he’ll have competition, it doesn’t mean we won’t sign another centre-half.
“We’ve got some really talented young centre-halves that I really like. Bartley, he’s not unique, but he’s really important for this group of players, for this dressing room. On the grass he’s really important to nick headers here and there and just be solid.
“He’s shown his mobility in recent games. One-on-one with speed merchants he can actually get there and block. He doesn’t get ran away from, he’s an impressive individual,” Mowbray said.
How likely are West Brom to sign new defenders?
With West Brom now looking increasingly unlikely to even qualify for the play-offs, let alone be promoted to the Premier League via them, Bartley has a good chance of being a regular starter again next season. The top tier would probably be too big of a step up for the defender at this stage of his career but he’s proven he’s still playing at a competitive level in the Championship.
In terms of other centre-back options at the club, Torbjorn Heggem is the best of the bunch as he has been a revelation since arriving last summer. The Norwegian has played more minutes and completed more tackles than any other Albion player this term and was recently named the club’s player of the season for his efforts.
Then there are the likes of Mason Holgate and Semi Ajayi, both utility players who have stepped up when injuries and suspensions have crept in. Holgate, signed on loan from Everton, is unlikely to be around next season after failing to impress on a consistent enough basis. Ajayi, meanwhile, has played just 14 times in the Championship this term and sees his contract expire in June.
Young centre-half Caleb Taylor could be another option Mowbray calls upon. The 22-year-old has spent the season on loan at Wycombe Wanderers where he has impressed in League One, making 32 appearances and accumulating nearly 3,000 minutes.
There’s no doubt West Brom need to invest in at least one new centre-back this summer but it’s positive to see Bartley extend. Taylor, meanwhile, could enjoy a breakthrough season under Mowbray if the head coach feels he’s ready to take the next step.
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