New West Brom transfer update hints at Hawthorns triple exit | OneFootball

Albion’s interest in Falkirk forward Barney Stewart could hint at exits for all of Daryl Dike, Josh Maja and Karlan Grant.

West Brom will be in the process of making plans for the 2026-27 campaign after securing their second tier status under James Morrison.

A goalless draw against promotion-chasing Ipswich Town last month was enough to get the Black Country outfit over the line in their quest for survival, despite the EFL's decision to deduct the Baggies two points for breaching P&S rules.

The Baggies' legend has since been made the permanent head coach at The Hawthorns, penning a two-year contract and hopeful of getting the club back towards the top end of the Championship table next season.

Now, with the regular season all over, Albion may well be in for a rebuilding process, particularly in the forward department, as current first-team players’ contracts run down, while the Black Country outfit will be in the market for some fresh attacking talent too.

The Baggies are already showing signs of making early inroads as the summer transfer window draws nearer, with Morrison wanting to stamp his authority on the playing squad as quickly as possible.

With Albion looking to be swift about their business, it could spell the end for three West Brom players, whose deals all expire in the coming weeks.

West Brom show early interest in Falkirk’s Barney Stewart

Earlier this week, it had been revealed that West Brom were looking to advance on a deal to bring Falkirk forward Barney Stewart to The Hawthorns this summer.

A report by the Daily Record claimed that West Brom have had a bid rejected for the Scottish frontman, who has enjoyed a strong campaign after returning to Falkirk in January from his loan spell at Dunfermline, contributing 10 goals and two assists from 21 appearances in all competitions.

It’s believed that an offer worth seven figures was lodged by the Black Country outfit but deemed to be well short of the Scottish side’s valuation.

There's no shortage of interest in the forward either, with Scottish giants Celtic having also been linked with a move, although Albion supporters will be encouraged to see the club being proactive and keen on making a statement in the opening stages of the summer transfer window.

Barney Stewart interest could spell in the end for Daryl Dike, Josh Maja and Karlan Grant

After a bitterly disappointing Championship campaign, West Brom will see this as the perfect opportunity to overhaul some of the playing squad, with the forward line a particular area to target.

The Baggies will definitely keep Aune Heggebo on their books heading into next season, who, despite not having the best goalscoring record, has shown signs of being an accomplished Championship striker during his first campaign in English football.

But the remaining attackers all see their contracts running down, including the likes of Daryl Dike, Josh Maja and Karlan Grant.

And with Albion already showing signs of wanting fresh blood, you have to think the trio’s future at The Hawthorns is coming to an end.

It’s a real shame for Dike, who through all his injury troubles, managed to keep himself fit for the majority of this campaign, while scoring important goals against Preston North End and Watford to help Albion secure safety in the latter stages of this season.

With Maja, he had improved minutes in the side under Morrison, but never really got back to the levels seen the previous season under Carlos Corberan following a lower leg injury, where he netted 12 times and looked so sharp in front of goal.

Meanwhile, Grant looks to have outstayed his welcome, with a six-year stint at The Hawthorns filled with many highs and lows. Ultimately though, the attacker hasn’t scored enough goals to warrant being a major player under Morrison’s regime next season.

The likelihood is that Albion will be better off without these three players on their books next season, with Dike and Maja in particular unable to prove their fitness on a consistent basis.

Therefore, Albion will be in a better position to take some chances on gems from overseas, like Stewart, who are promising talents that are finding their feet and have something to prove in order to get right to the very top.

With Dike, Maja and Grant, the prime of their careers are over, with the Championship the highest level they are likely to play at again, and after failing to hold their heads up high for such a shambolic season, haven’t justified extending their stays.

If Albion are to be successful in the years to come, they have to be ruthless now, waving goodbye to players who have failed to show their worth and bringing in a new era of attackers who are hungry to succeed, eager to contribute and have the quality levels to get the Baggies back to where they should be – fighting for a place back in the Premier League.

Understandably, supporters will be sad to see these Albion players depart The Hawthorns, if it is confirmed, but it will be in the club’s best interests, and the hierarchy will be hopeful that these decisions will be worth it come the end of the 2026-27 campaign.