West Brom warned by club chief amid double 'imminent' transfer failure

Majority shareholder and chairman Shilen Patel recently penned an open letter, thanking fans for their support but revealing the difficulties set to face the club in the transfer market.

Albion have waved goodbye to Premier League parachute payments for the first time in two decades, creating a precarious outlook. Patel has performed wonders to pay off the debts from the Wisdom Smart loan but the Baggies are on track to record significant losses for a third successive year.

“Championship clubs cannot lose more than £39m across three seasons,” Patel admitted in his letter. “The club recorded an £11m loss for the 2022/23 season and will confirm another significant deficit for the 2023/24 campaign – our first without Premier League monies in 22 years.

“In short, that means we will need to be resourceful, process-driven, and open-minded to get the most out of the flexibility we have or can create in the market. It is never easy to restock a squad, but this summer is also an opportunity to build a foundational sporting philosophy and practices for long-term success,” Patel continued.

West Brom see several senior players depart

This situation has placed West Brom on thin ice to stay in line with the Championship’s profit and sustainability regulations. It was announced in the spring that seven senior players would be departing The Hawthorns upon their contract expirations to cut some costs but transfer funds are still incredibly limited.

Matt Phillips, who made 255 appearances for Albion and scored 62 goals in the process, heads the list of those bidding farewell. Nathaniel Chalobah, Yann M’Vila, Adam Reach, Erik Pieters, Martin Kelly and Jovan Malcolm will also exit but Kyle Bartley, Alex Mowatt and Cedric Kipre have been offered new deals.

Albion set for double transfer failure

Matters have been made worse as two key players are reportedly set for imminent departures. West Brom’s limited funds mean increased salaries aren’t a realistic proposition, failing the club’s chances of retaining the pair.

Okay Yokuşlu still has one year remaining on his Albion contract but Süper Lig outfit Trabzonspor have already entered talks over his potential signing. The midfielder could make a romantic return as he played for the Turkish outfit between 2015 and 2018.

Trabzonspor have also begun negotiating with West Brom’s star centre-back, Kipre. As mentioned, a new deal is on the table but a lucrative offer from abroad may be too good to turn down.