West Brom are a club planning for the medium and long-term futures, and player contracts play a big part in doing that.
West Brom boss Carlos Corberan hasn’t always been able to work in the easiest environment at The Hawthorns but there’s significantly more clarity and a clear plan with Shilen Patel and co at the helm.
He spoke openly recently about planning for the medium and long-term when it comes to play contracts, and those intentions have been put into action. It was confirmed last Friday that Darnell Furlong, whose deal was up in 2025, has put pen to paper on new terms.
west brom, West Brom must follow up Furlong deal with 25-year-old contract action: Opinion
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There’s more work to be done on the contract front though.
A number of West Brom players see their current contracts expire at the end of the current campaign and following the confirmation of the Furlong deal, the next priority for the Baggies should be midfielder Jayson Molumby.
An asset to hold onto
Molumby has been with West Brom since the summer of 2021, first signing on loan before the move was made permanent the following year. He signed a deal until 2025 upon arrival, which is now nearing an end.
The 25-year-old faces a battle for his starting spot but he has proven to be a valuable asset in the middle. Molumby, when partnered with Alex Mowatt, makes up a well-balanced midfield duo for Corberan, often getting through a lot of the combative work and duels.
west brom boss corberan watches on
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He has six goals and five assists in 111 games for the Baggies. Molumby has developed well under their watch since signing from Brighton and has gone on to make 27 appearances for the Republic of Ireland.
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Former loan club Millwall were interested in prising Molumby away in the summer, but West Brom held firm. That indicates how the Championship side feel about the midfielder, so as they look to take a proactive approach on the contract front, he’s someone who should become a focus after the Furlong deal.
Worst-case scenario
In the long-term planning of all football clubs, losing valuable players for nothing is a must-avoid.
Molumby is someone who, if he was to be offloaded, would likely command a respectable fee. There’s absolutely no suggestion West Brom have a plan to do this, but if they were to, they would want a decent sum and would likely get one.
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However, the Irishman is someone the Baggies should be looking to hold onto. He can play a long-term role in their midfield, be it as a starter every week or as a valuable squad player.
Losing him for nothing is the worst-case scenario and with January nearing, that is sure to play on the club’s mind. Overseas sides can strike pre-contract deals from there on and rival English sides will start to sniff around a potential summer free transfer, so West Brom should act soon and get Molumby tied down.