Exclusive: David Prutton reacts to double West Brom player exit news | OneFootball

David Prutton exclusively discussed the expected departures of Semi Ajayi and John Swift from West Bromwich Albion.

David Prutton remains on the fence about whether John Swift and Semi Ajayi's expected West Bromwich Albion exits are the correct decision.

The Baggies parted company with Tony Mowbray after failing to make the Championship play-offs, and are set for a summer clear out ahead of the 2025/26 season.

In the wake of the manager's sacking, it was reported by Darren Witcoop that the man who cost West Brom £18m five years ago, Grady Diangana, was expected to depart the Hawthorns along with midfielder Swift and long-serving defender Ajayi.

Swift joined the club in 2022, following an electric six years with Reading. Despite having made over 100 appearances for the Midlands club, the 29-year-old never really found the form he showed in Berkshire.

Ajayi has been with Albion since 2019, costing the club a reported £1.5m from Rotherham United. It's fair to say they got their money's worth, as the Nigerian made over 175 appearances for the club, and helped them achieve promotion to the Premier League in 2020.

It sounds likely that it's going to be a summer of change at the Hawthorns, but are West Brom right to allow long-serving players such as Swift and Ajayi to leave?

David Prutton unsure on West Brom, Ajayi, Swift decision

To get some insight into whether the decision is the correct one, Football League World spoke exclusively to former Nottingham Forest midfielder and Sky Sports pundit Prutton, who told us: "Time will tell.

"They've been part of teams that have flirted with getting up and out of the division - but ultimately haven't done it.

"The change of manager, the ownership model, and maybe a change in direction could be part of it [their departure]. What we saw with Carlos [Corberan] of course, was a wonderfully drilled team - defensively sound with the capability to be very organised, both of which Semi and John were a big part of.

"They've been part of decent squads - but especially this season, the time is very much of the now and is of the essence. It's how these players are playing right now.

"Financially as well, that might come into it. Changing the wage bill, changing the approach regarding who they recruit.

"I don't know whether it's the right or wrong call right now. Time will only tell."

West Brom set for summer of change

After Corberan departed for Valencia earlier in the season, the return of Mowbray welcomed a new era for the Baggies under a fan-favourite manager.

However, just three months into this new era, West Brom were sent back to square one when they decided to sack the 61-year-old after missing out on a Championship play-off place.

Now, Shilen Patel must make the second managerial appointment of his year-long stewardship.

With nothing to play for now, Albion can turn their attention to next season and ensure they pick the right boss to take them forward. This will also see plenty of changes to the playing squad over the summer as well.

West Brom's squad lacks consistent performers, with the likes of Swift and Diangana rarely chipping in with goal contributions this season. If they want to progress, they need to allow these players to depart and replace them with more consistent peformers.

The squad seems to have stagnated in recent years, even more so after the departure of Corberan. This is why Patel and his new manager must be cut-throat heading into what looks to be a summer full of changes.