3 West Brom players who could sign a pre-contract agreement elsewhere in January

Football League World has identified three West Bromwich Albion players who could potentially sign pre-contract agreements during the January transfer window as they enter the final six months of their contracts.

1. **Nathaniel Chalobah:**
– The central midfielder joined West Brom on deadline day of the January transfer window in 2023 and played 13 times during Carlos Corberan’s successful revival last season.
– Despite his contributions, Chalobah has had a strained relationship with the Albion faithful, and there are uncertainties about his future at The Hawthorns.
– Chalobah was close to a permanent transfer to Maccabi Haifa in the summer, but the move collapsed due to safety concerns in Israel. Considering his underwhelming stint at Albion, he may explore opportunities abroad in the new year.

2. **Martin Kelly:**
– Experienced defender Kelly has struggled to secure a consistent run of games since joining West Brom. After Corberan’s arrival, he played just once before being loaned to Wigan Athletic.
– Unfortunately, Kelly suffered a serious knee injury during his debut for Wigan, ruling him out for the rest of the season. Despite hopes for a comeback, he faces tough competition in defense.
– With Kyle Bartley, Semi Ajayi, Cedric Kipre, and Erik Pieters competing for spots, Kelly might consider offers, including potential pre-contract agreements, in January.

3. **Erik Pieters:**
– Central defender Pieters has been a regular under Corberan, making 36 appearances during the Baggies’ ascent up the table last season.
– However, the return of Cedric Kipre from loan has intensified competition for places, possibly prompting Pieters, at 35, to contemplate a move back to his native Holland.
– Pieters could be considering a return to the Netherlands for the final years of his playing career before retiring from professional football.

As West Bromwich Albion aims for promotion under Corberan, the financial challenges and contractual situations of these players add an element of uncertainty to the squad’s composition in the coming months.