West Brom must box clever in attacking transfer dealings - striker hero

Kevin Phillips believes Albion could reap the rewards of “fresh blood” under new boss James Morrison - but warned overhauls across the board can be tricky.

A host of Albion’s attackers see their contracts expire at The Hawthorns and the club could be set for a new-look frontline next term.

Striker duo Josh Maja and Daryl Dike and wingers Jed Wallace and Karlan Grant are all out of contract.

Former striker Phillips, a golden boot promotion-winner in his time with the Baggies, reckons Albion will need to be “clever” in their handling of the attacking unit in the bid to rebuild having squeezed Championship survival.

”They're players that have been there a while, they've all got their qualities, but sometimes you think ‘should I freshen that squad up, move people on?’” Phillips told bestbettingsites.

“They're probably on decent money, they'll free up some funds to go and strengthen in different areas. But sometimes when you let too many go, it's not that easy getting players in.

“All of a sudden you could find yourself in a bit of a situation come pre-season, you haven't been able to secure the targets that you wanted.

“So I think you have to be very clever. They're three players, Jed Wallace, Daryl Dike, Karlan Grant that have got qualities, so it'll be interesting to see what happens.

“Maybe it is a time for West Brom to look at something else, move these players on and get some fresh blood into the squad.”

Phillips has previously backed Maja, Albion’s 12-goal top scorer in 2024/25, for a new contract.

But the Nigerian spent several months thereafter sidelined with injury and has been unable to rediscover his best.

Fellow striker Dike has endured four-and-a-half injury hit years at The Hawthorns, though alongside Maja was able to score some crucial goals in the late-season survival push under Morrison.

Championship pundit Phillips hopes to see Albion support his former Hawthorns team-mate Morrison with the funds required to turn around fortunes.

Executive director Mark Miles reaffirmed last week that the club’s position regarding profit and sustainability regulations is clearing from the summer and vowed owners Bilkul will back the Baggies to the best of their capability.

“I think he deserved it,” Phillips said of Morrison’s appointment. “I think a lot of the fans, or most of the fans, are delighted that they've acted very quickly and given him the job.

“Now they can let him work over the summer with players moving on potentially, then players coming in.

“I hope they've been able to give them enough funds to go and strengthen that squad. And I think they'll be there or thereabouts next season.

“The biggest thing is that the players really performed under James and he's got the respect of the players.

“So I think with a reshuffle this summer, players leaving and coming in, they will be challenging next season for sure.”

Phillips was speaking to www.bestbettingsites.co.uk/news/football/ as part of his weekly column.