West Bromwich Albion are shaking things up this summer as they announce the departure of winger Jed Wallace and striker Daryl Dike, while offering fresh contracts to Karlan Grant, Josh Maja, and Max O'Leary.
Wallace, 32, who once captained the side, leaves The Hawthorns after a solid three-season stint. Since joining from Millwall in 2022, he made 150 appearances and netted 16 goals for the Baggies. His experience and work rate on the flank will be missed as the club looks to rebuild for the new Championship campaign.
American forward Daryl Dike, 25, arrived with high hopes from Orlando City in January 2022, but his time in the West Midlands was plagued by injuries. Hamstring, thigh, and Achilles problems limited him to just 68 appearances—only 25 of which were starts. Despite scoring 11 goals, his last outing in a West Brom shirt came in the season finale against Sheffield Wednesday. It's a tough break for a player who showed flashes of promise when fit.
Goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith, 30, is also heading out the door after his contract expired. The former Derby County man made 20 appearances for Albion over two years, spending the second half of this season on loan at Middlesbrough.
On a brighter note, the Baggies have offered new deals to three key players. Striker Karlan Grant, who cost a hefty £15 million from Huddersfield in 2020, has been a consistent performer with 35 goals in 174 games. Fellow forward Josh Maja, who joined from Bordeaux in August 2023, has also impressed with 19 goals in 81 appearances.
Goalkeeper Max O'Leary, signed on a short-term deal from Bristol City in January, quickly became the club's number one. The 28-year-old made 16 Championship appearances after being brought in by then-boss Eric Ramsay, and his solid form has earned him a shot at a longer stay.
As West Brom gear up for another push in the Championship, these moves signal a clear intent to refresh the squad while holding onto proven talent. Fans will be watching closely to see how the summer transfer window unfolds.
