"Strolls around the pitch" - West Brom told to be patient with contract decision | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

This season has been a largely successful one as far as West Bromwich Albion are concerned.

However, Carlos Corberan's side are stumbling over the finish line when it comes to securing a play-off place, despite being in the top six since November 25th.

It remains to be seen whether Albion will be involved in the play-offs or not, as they must match or better Hull City's result on the final day to secure their involvement in the post-season lottery.

Whilst they have those on-pitch matters to contend with, the Baggies still have several experienced players who are still somewhat in the dark over their futures at The Hawthorns.

West Brom fan pundit delivers Nathaniel Chalobah contract verdict

Alongside the likes of the influential Cedric Kipre, Alex Mowatt and Kyle Bartley, the defensive midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah is one of those who still doesn't know where his future lies past the conclusion of this season.

The former Chelsea youth product has had an established career between the Championship and Premier League, similarly to the trajectory of Albion in recent times. However, this season his game time has massively decreased compared to his initial involvement in Corberan's plans, after signing an 18-month deal back in January 2023.

His only goal for the club also came this season, in the FA Cup Third Round victory over National League outfit, Aldershot Town.

Therefore, Football League World's Albion fan pundit, Matt Smith, holds numerous reservations as to whether the 29-year-old should be offered fresh terms in B71.

Smith began.

"I just think he strolls around the pitch like he's got a cigarette in his mouth, he's had a couple of good games, but I don't see what he offers ahead of anybody else.

"He's nearly in his 30s, and he hasn't set the world alight. I'm struggling to justify why he should be given a new contract. I suppose if we lose a couple of midfielders if we don't go up - such as Yokuslu and potentially Mowatt," he added.

"I wouldn't be handing Chalobah a contract straight away, it would be dependent on outgoings, but even then, you're thinking "can we do better?"

"He'd be on the released list initially. But, perhaps let him train around the club until it becomes clear as to whether we're in the Premier League or not, as he'd become redundant."

As previously mentioned, Chalobah's involvement this season as a starter has been minimal, but his value as a squad player has played some part in Albion's overall success in the Championship, averaging 28 minutes per game as per Sofascore.

Last week it was revealed by Birmingham Live that the Baggies head coach has spoken to the new hierarchy, referencing how they plan to make several key decisions, which include the long list of out-of-contract players.

However, the former Huddersfield boss cannot doubt their commitment to the cause, which includes the midfielder.

"With all of them, I don't feel any difference. I don't feel a difference in any of them. It makes me be calm, this way. All of them have been very clear that they want to give the best for the club this year, and let's see what happens after," he said.

According to estimated figures from Capology, Chalobah is earning a £20,000 weekly salary in the West Midlands, which is hardly a justifiable wage for a squad player moving forward, and with Albion looking to learn from previous financial errors under the new stewardship of Shilen Patel, it would seem highly unlikely that the former Fulham man remains at the club at the conclusion of the current season.