After reaching an agreement to extend his contract at the Hawthorns, former Leeds United defender Kyle Bartley will play for the Whites’ Championship rivals West Bromwich Albion for at least another year.
At the end of the 2023–24 season, the 33-year-old’s contract with the Baggies expired, casting doubt on his future. But according to West Brom, he has now inked a new 12-month contract, which will automatically renew for an additional year provided he plays in a predetermined amount of games. It follows the Monday agreement of Alex Mowatt, another former Leeds player, to a new contract with the team.
Bartley became an Elland Road fan favorite while spending the 2016–17 campaign on loan at Leeds from Swansea City. For the Whites, he made 50 appearances, contributing two assists and six goals. Having grown close to Luke Ayling during that season, the footballer even acknowledged he was considering a permanent transfer to Leeds.
“Next thing me and Luke are living together in Leeds, and to this day they are still some of the happiest days I’ve had in football,” Bartley said in a 2022 interview with the Leeds Press. I recall having a great time when Sky came to our house to do a piece on us.
He added: “I loved my time at Leeds. The fans, the atmosphere and that group of players we had, it was a memorable season for me. Playing alongside Pontus (Jansson) and Coops (Liam Cooper), it really helped develop my game. The fact I became captain as a loan player as well makes me proud. I don’t think that is something that happens very often at any club. I remember playing Liverpool at Anfield in the League Cup, walking out as Leeds captain for that fixture which has such a long history was special.”
However, a permanent move never came to fruition as Bartley instead left Swansea for West Brom a year later. He had started his career with Arsenal and was sent on loan to Sheffield United and Rangers during his time with the Gunners. He joined the Swans in 2012 but left in 2018. He has gone on to play 201 times for West Brom, with 14 goals and five assists to his name.
After signing a new deal Bartley said: “I’m really happy to have signed a new deal at a place I know so well and have so many strong relationships and good memories. I’ve been at the Albion for six years and I really enjoy being here. We had a really good season last year and I really believe we can build on that under the manager this term.
“The gaffer has trusted me to play the majority of matches since he joined the club and that’s something I’m really grateful for. I’m determined to keep performing at my highest possible level and I’m confident I can do that in the coming campaign.
“I’ve really enjoyed playing alongside some of the other defenders we’ve had here during my time at the club. I’ve seen so many of them flourish and I’d like to play a part in seeing that happen once again with some of the younger lads we’ve got in the squad at the moment.”
