West Brom fans divided as Wallace and Dike exit, Maja and O’Leary offered new deals | OneFootball

Albion confirmed their released and retained list on Friday. Captain Jed Wallace and striker Daryl Dike will leave at the end of their contracts this summer, with new terms offered to goalkeeper Max O’Leary and forward Josh Maja.

The club are also in talks with long-serving attacker Karlan Grant, who is out of contract, over a potential new deal. Back-up goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith is departing too, the third of six out-of-contract senior players, and he made 20 Baggies appearances.

The decisions split supporters. Some wanted Dike kept on to fight for his place after battling repeated injuries, while others felt moving him on and trying to keep Maja at The Hawthorns was the right call.

Critics of the moves described the outcome as an own goal, arguing Dike is younger, brings a different style and has shown commitment, and that he merited at least a short extension. Several also questioned letting Wallace go while efforts continue to retain Maja and Grant.

Others were more relaxed, suggesting an injury-free Maja with a full pre-season could be a major asset next term, with Grant seen as useful if wages are reduced. Some backed a refresh of the squad, prioritising new blood over the older guard.

There was also acceptance from parts of the fanbase that Dike’s limited starts after returning to fitness, allied to his injury record and wages, weighed against him. Wallace was viewed by some as past his best, and a change for Wildsmith felt necessary.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com