Chris Brunt keen to stay at West Brom but knows others will be sold without promotion
Chris Brunt says promotion is crucial for Albion this season because otherwise players will inevitably be sold to balance the books.
The Baggies held on to the majority of their Premier League squad last summer to tackle the first season in the Championship.
But club captain Brunt – who is keen to stay himself for another season – is aware Albion’s financial situation means that is unlikely to happen again.
Parachute payments will dwindle from £41.5million to £34m next season and owner Guochuan Lai is yet to invest any further funds following his £200m takeover in 2016.
“There was a lot of speculation about losing players last summer,” said Brunt. “The loanees have also had a massive effect, Dwight Gayle and Mason Holgate are good players.
“Our budget is one of the highest in the league, it's important we achieve promotion back to the Premier League.
“Things could be a lot different in the summer. The players we held onto may end up having to be sold, inevitably some of them will be sold to balance books.
“In the past the club has always been run in the right way and I'm sure they won't be putting that in any jeopardy to try and keep people if the club needs financial stability in the summer.”
Brunt believes that is one of the reasons why Darren Moore was sacked last weekend, despite the club being in fourth place.
“That's part of the decision the club's made,” said Brunt. “They think this is the best opportunity of going back up.
“That's always been the aim all season. We need as many points on the board as we can.
“It's important we get the best out of the squad because at the end of the day, the players we've got in our dressing room or more than good enough to be back in the Premier League.”
But Brunt is hoping to be at Albion next season, regardless of which division the Baggies are in.
“I think so, unless somebody tells me otherwise,” he said. “You never know, a new manager might come in and I might be out the door next week!
“That’s the reality of football, I’ve hung on for 12 years now! They’ll do well to get rid of me, I’ll go kicking and screaming out the door.
“But that’s down to whoever comes in. Of course I’d like to stay.”
