West Bromwich Albion are already taking strides towards securing their future by planning contract decisions for next summer, marking a shift in strategy under the ownership of Shilen Patel.
Head coach Carlos Corberan has praised the club’s forward-thinking approach, contrasting it with the reactive, year-by-year planning seen under previous owner Guochuan Lai. They faced a major shake-up last summer when a number of long-serving players saw their contracts expire. Next summer could bring similar challenges, as key players such as Darnell Furlong, Jayson Molumby, Grady Diangana, Semi Ajayi, John Swift, and Kyle Bartley are all nearing the end of their current deals.
Corberan has been working closely with sporting director Andrew Nestor and head of football operations Ian Pearce to assess the squad and shape the club’s future. The new ownership has emphasised a collective approach, with regular meetings held to share ideas and discuss long-term plans. “As a coach I always give my opinion to the people in the club, to Andrew and to Ian too,” Corberan said. “We always have meetings to update how we are seeing the squad, the players growing, it’s good to have these conversations.”
This coordinated approach represents a significant change in the way West Bromwich Albion operates. Corberan highlighted the importance of balancing short-term needs with medium-to-long-term ambitions, a shift from the club’s prior tendencies to act reactively from season to season. “One of the considerations the club is doing is this, to start to work on not only the short-term, but the medium to long-term. This is a big change to the past – something the club is doing.”
Under Patel’s ownership, there is a clear desire to stabilise the club’s finances while remaining competitive. As Albion continue to face the financial pressures of complying with financial fair play regulations, they must carefully navigate contract renewals, particularly with high earners. While the club’s financial situation remains a concern, there is hope that this new strategic approach will help them achieve both stability and success on the pitch.
Corberan also shed light on the decision-making process at the club, emphasising the importance of collaboration between the key figures involved in football operations. “We share lots of opinions,” he said. “With Shilen and Andrew, we enjoy working with them because they create a positive collective mentality.” Corberan praised Patel for bringing a business-minded approach to running the club, ensuring that decisions are made collectively but with a clear sense of direction. “Shilen, from the first day, wanted to manage the club in the same way he manages another business. He believes in the people he put in the club.”
This new strategy is not only about financial prudence but also about creating an environment where players are encouraged to commit to the club’s long-term vision. However, Corberan acknowledged that each player’s approach to contract negotiations is different. “Some players want security, some players want risk, some players want to change, some want to stay. Some players hate to be in the last year of their contract and want to avoid this. Some players say they are in their last year so they want to be open to possibilities – everyone is different.”
Corberan’s comments reflect a delicate balancing act for West Brom, as they look to build a competitive team for the future while managing individual player expectations and financial constraints.
Writer’s View
West Bromwich Albion’s new strategy under Shilen Patel’s ownership is a breath of fresh air for the club. The emphasis on long-term planning over short-term fixes signals a positive change that could lead to more stability both on and off the pitch. By beginning contract discussions well in advance, the club is showing its intent to avoid the uncertainty that has plagued them in the past. Moreover, the involvement of key figures like Carlos Corberan, Andrew Nestor, and Ian Pearce in the decision-making process ensures that footballing and financial considerations are balanced.
However, the challenges cannot be understated. Managing the contracts of key players while maintaining financial discipline is no small feat, particularly with high earners and potential transfer market movements in play. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this new approach can successfully guide West Brom through what has been a historically turbulent period for the club. If successful, it could mark the beginning of a more stable and prosperous era at The Hawthorns.
