West Brom will be making preparations for the 2026-27 season after winning second-tier classification under James Morrison.

Despite the EFL’s decision to deduct two points from the Baggies for breaking P&S rules, a goalless draw against promotion-chasing Ipswich Town last month was enough to pull the Black Country club over the line in their survival bid.

The Baggies great has subsequently been named permanent head coach at The Hawthorns, signing a two-year contract with the intention of returning the club to the top of the Championship table next season.

Now that the regular season is finished, Albion may be in for a rebuilding process, notably in the forward area, as current first-team players’ contracts expire, while the Black Country club will also be looking for new attacking talent.

The Baggies are already making early inroads as the summer transfer window approaches, with Morrison eager to establish his dominance over the playing team as soon as possible.

With Albion looking to move quickly, three West Brom players whose contracts expire in the coming weeks may be on their way out.

West Brom express early interest in Falkirk’s Barney Stewart.

Earlier this week, it was announced that West Brom were working on a deal to bring Falkirk forward Barney Stewart to The Hawthorns this summer.

According to the Daily Record, West Brom’s proposal for the Scottish frontman was rejected. He has had a great season since returning to Falkirk in January following his loan spell at Dunfermline, providing 10 goals and two assists in 21 games across all competitions.

The Black Country outfit is thought to have made a seven-figure offer, which was found to be far below than the Scottish side’s valuation.

There’s no shortage of interest in the forward, with Scottish giants Celtic also connected with a move, but Albion fans will be pleased to see the club being proactive and eager to make a statement in the early stages of the summer transfer window.

Barney Stewart’s involvement might spell the end for Daryl Dike, Josh Maja, and Karlan Grant.

Following a very dismal Championship campaign, West Brom will see this as an ideal opportunity to replace some of their playing roster, with the attacking line being a particular focus.

The Baggies will undoubtedly have Aune Heggebo on their books for next season, who, despite not having the best goalscoring record, has shown signs of being an accomplished Championship striker in his debut season in English football.

The remaining attackers, notably Daryl Dike, Josh Maja, and Karlan Grant, are all nearing the end of their contracts.

And, with Albion already showing symptoms of wanting new blood, you have to believe the trio’s time at The Hawthorns is coming to an end.

It’s a shame for Dike, who, despite his injury problems, has managed to stay healthy for the bulk of this season, scoring crucial goals against Preston North End and Watford to help Albion achieve safety in the later stages.

With Maja, he had increased his minutes in the side under Morrison, but he never recovered to the levels shown the previous season under Carlos Corberan, when he scored 12 goals and looked so sharp in front of goal.

Meanwhile, Grant appears to have outstayed his welcome at The Hawthorns, where he spent six years experiencing both highs and lows. Ultimately, the attacker hasn’t scored enough goals to deserve a big role under Morrison’s administration next season.

Albion will most likely be better off without these three players next season, with Dike and Maja in particular failing to consistently demonstrate their fitness.

As a result, Albion will be in a better position to take chances on overseas gems like Stewart, who are bright talents but are still finding their feet and have a lot to prove before they can reach the top.

With Dike, Maja, and Grant, the peak of their careers has passed, with the Championship the highest level they are likely to play at again, and failing to keep their heads high after such a disastrous season, they haven’t justified extending their contracts.

If Albion are to be successful in the future, they must be ruthless now, waving goodbye to players who have failed to demonstrate their worth and ushering in a new era of attackers who are hungry to succeed, eager to contribute, and have the quality levels to get the Baggies back to where they belong – fighting for a place in the Premier League.

Understandably, supporters will be unhappy to see these Albion players leave. The Hawthorns, if ratified, will be in the club’s best interests, and the leadership will be hoping that these moves will be worthwhile by the end of the 2026-27 season.