West Bromwich Albion are set to make major changes this summer following a disappointing season for the Baggies, and now a new update has emerged on the players that are likely to be axed from the squad this summer.
What’s the latest?
According to The Athletic’s West Brom reporter Steve Madeley, Steve Bruce could be set to get rid of Cedric Kipre and Kean Bryan this summer.
The report reveals that the Baggies boss is set for a huge summer transfer window with the intention to rebuild the squad to put them in a better position next season, and the defensive duo are likely to be two of the players set for the chop at the end of the season.
Bruce must make ruthless decision
West Brom currently have a large and unnecessary number of defenders in their squad, six to be exact, so if Bruce is looking to find ways to boost funds this summer and improve the squad’s weaknesses in other areas, he must make a ruthless decision on his outgoings.
With that being said, both Kipre and Bryan would seem the most likely to be sent packing in the next few weeks as the pair’s departure would have the least impact on the back four, following a disappointing season for both.
Should West Brom sell Cedric Kipre?
Kipre who was dubbed “shocking” by Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack, has not played in the side since January and is clearly not a player the Baggies manager intends to deploy considering he has not featured at all since he arrived at the beginning of February, so it would make sense that his role is coming under question ahead of next season.
However, Bryan whose time at the club has been labelled “strange” by Madeley, has been out through no fault of his own with a devastating injury after sustaining damage to his anterior cruciate ligament shortly after he joined the club on a free transfer that has seen him sidelined for the whole season.
Although the injured centre-back has the quality to play in the team with former manager Chris Wilder calling him “talented”, he will face tough competition to return to the starting line-up and will likely get the opportunity to return to match fitness by going out on loan this summer should he be able to recover from his injury in time. As a result, it’s safe to say the duo could hold the club back financially this summer if they aren’t told to leave.
Ultimately, the former Newcastle manager will have his work cut out for him over the next few months trying to identify the right incoming and outgoings that will positively impact and offer availability in the team to put them in a much better position to earn promotion back into the Premier League next season.
AND in other news: Alan Nixon drops big WBA transfer claim on “towering” machine, supporters will love it
