As the January transfer window approaches, clubs in the English Football League (EFL) are gearing up for a busy period. Among them, West Bromwich Albion is looking to reshape its squad while also trimming its wage bill. The club is reportedly aiming to save up to £55,000 per week by offloading players who are currently on the fringes of the team.
West Brom’s manager, Ryan Mason, is under pressure in his debut season. Following a challenging first half of the campaign, the team aims to strengthen its push for a play-off spot in the Championship. While initial performances suggested promise, the lack of creativity and consistency has hindered their progress. To address these issues, Mason may need to make room for new signings by offloading some existing players.
Two candidates for departure are Daryl Dike and Charlie Taylor, both of whom are currently not contributing significantly to the squad and could provide substantial savings if released.
Daryl Dike: A High-Risk Investment
Since joining West Brom from Orlando City for a fee estimated at £7 million in January 2022, Daryl Dike has struggled to find his footing due to persistent injuries. The United States international striker was once considered a promising talent after thriving during a loan spell at Barnsley. However, his time at The Hawthorns has been marred by setbacks.
Dike’s potential as a goalscorer is undisputed when fit, but he has made only a handful of appearances since his arrival. With a reported weekly wage of £25,000, West Brom could significantly benefit from offloading him, especially as he is out of contract in the summer of 2026. If Dike can regain form, he might still attract interest, whether through a loan or permanent transfer, which would alleviate the financial burden on the club.
His aspirations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States will co-host, could motivate him to find a new opportunity that allows him to showcase his abilities.
Charlie Taylor: A Misfit in the Squad
Another player potentially on the exit list is Charlie Taylor, who joined West Brom on loan from Southampton on transfer deadline day. The move was unexpected given the club’s summer acquisitions of centre-backs Nat Phillips, George Campbell, Krystian Bielik, and Chris Mepham. Taylor, now 32, has transitioned into more of a centre-back role, although he remains capable of playing left-back.
Despite his experience, Taylor’s lack of pace has not complemented West Brom’s needs, which require more mobility in defence. He has featured sparingly, making few starts in both positions. With a reported wage of £30,000 per week, terminating his loan could help Southampton, who may find a better fit for Taylor in their current tactical setup. For West Brom, releasing him would provide another avenue to reduce their wage bill.
As January approaches, West Bromwich Albion finds itself at a crucial juncture. The club’s ability to offload Dike and Taylor may not only ease financial strains but also create opportunities for new signings, enhancing their chances of a successful second half of the season. The Baggies are determined to make the most of the transfer window, with a clear focus on both performance and fiscal responsibility.
