This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

West Bromwich Albion are ready to let midfielder Robert Snodgrass go during the January transfer window, according to The Sun's Alan Nixon.

As per Nixon, the 34-year-old is now firmly out of Valerien Ismael's first-team plans, despite seeing fellow central midfielder Jayson Molumby receive his marching orders against Nottingham Forest on Friday evening, leaving Valerien Ismael's men with a lack of depth in the midfield department.

In Snodgrass' previous absence, with the former Scotland international recovering from back surgery during the early stages of the 2021/22 campaign, Alex Mowatt and Jake Livermore established themselves as the Baggies' starting duo in the middle of the park.

 

 

However, Brighton and Hove Albion loanee Molumby and the 34-year-old have been needed at times to step in with Livermore receiving two suspensions already this term and Mowatt previously suffering from a foot injury, with youngster Quevin Castro the only orthodox option in the middle after that.

Having seen Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Conor Gallagher, Okay Yokuslu, Reekeem Harper and Sam Field leave the club in the summer, with Romaine Sawyers currently out on loan at Championship rivals Stoke City, they may need a replacement to come in if they were to sever ties with Snodgrass in the winter window.

But focusing on the player more specifically, is this the right decision to let go of him? We asked three Football League World writers for their verdict on this key question.

Jordan Rushworth

Considering that Robert Snodgrass did a good job filling in in the middle of the park for the Baggies whilst Alex Mowatt was out injured and Jake Livermore suffered a suspension recently, it comes as a surprise to see that he is no longer within Valerien Ismael’s plans.

Snodgrass offers quality in possession for West Brom and he also still carries a major threat with his ability to deliver from dead-ball situations.

However, Ismael needs to have a lot of legs in his side for them to be able to press high up the pitch and play the way he wants them to do. Therefore, it was always going to be tough for the 34-year-old to keep himself in his plans.

At this stage in his career, Snodgrass will appreciate being allowed to leave the Hawthorns if he is not going to be able to get much game time under Ismael.

It does seem as though an exit then is in the interests of all parties now that it seems he will not be playing a major role for West Brom during the rest of the campaign.

West Brom might regret allowing Snodgrass to leave the club if they suffer injury issues and do not replace him well enough in January.

However, it is a risk that Ismael clearly feels he wants to take. These are the decisions that he will be judged on at the end of the campaign.

Charlie Gregory

It’s perhaps surprising in a way that West Brom are willing to let him leave because of his experience at this level and the fact he has shown flashes of some good football for them at times this campaign.

However, at 34-years-old and with only six games under his belt so far this year, perhaps it is in both clubs best interest to part ways. Him leaving would allow the Baggies to improve other areas of their squad and Snodgrass could still find regular game time elsewhere.

The Baggies are also not short of options in Snodgrass’ position, so him departing would allow younger players who could use some more action to get it.

All in all, it is probably wise from the Baggies to let him leave then.

Marcus Ally

One thing that West Bromwich Albion lack, and they may need particularly in this rotten run, is experience which is something that Snodgrass provides.

The Baggies were fortunate to cling on for automatic promotion in 2019/20 and were hugely reliant on Matheus Pereira and Grady Diangana’s contributions from wide areas.

Pereira, along with instrumental player Romaine Sawyers in 2019/20, has left the club and Diangana has struggled for form this season. Ismael was not given large funds in the summer transfer window and therefore may not once again in January.

Snodgrass should not be let go, with the right man management he could be a real asset on and off the pitch. His versatility also adds tactical flexibility and he would not recoup much if any transfer fee, keep him.