The debate over West Bromwich Albion's out‑of‑contract players depends on whether you're thinking with your heart or your head.
The heart will tell you Jed Wallace should be offered a new deal because of how important the captain is in the dressing room and on the training ground.
When lesser characters have hidden, Wallace has stepped up in public, speaking to me on multiple occasions during one of the toughest 12 months in the club's history.
He has also been a model professional in the community, supporting several Albion Foundation initiatives, which are part of his responsibilities as skipper.
However, the head suggests it may be time to move on.
Wallace is now 32 and on a very good wage after arriving on a free from Millwall in 2022. While he played a key role in Albion's upturn when James Morrison switched to a 4‑4‑2 availability has been an issue.
The winger has started just 17 games over the past two seasons. His latest calf problem ruled him out of the final seven matches, aside from a two‑minute cameo on the last day at Sheffield Wednesday, which marked his 150th appearance for the club.
Injuries are also the reason why the head argues it could be time to cut ties with Daryl Dike.
The striker was incredibly unfortunate to suffer Achilles ruptures in separate incidents, but his fitness has restricted him to just 68 appearances and 11 goals in four and a half years. He is also on good money, and if he were to break down again a new deal would be a huge regret.
But the heart wonders whether those worries are behind him. Dike significantly increased his game time under Morrison and played his part in the team's 10‑game unbeaten run to secure safety.
There is also the infectious personality behind the scenes, and the moment of pure emotion when he scored at Preston – one of the few genuine highlights of a difficult season.
If a deal can be agreed on reduced terms, the 25‑year‑old may yet stay, although he might favour a fresh start elsewhere.
Wages are also central to decisions on Karlan Grant and Josh Maja. The latter has coasted through too many games this campaign and, despite flashes of the talent that saw him bag 12 goals in the first six months of the 2024-25 season before injury ended it early, he has not shown enough effort to justify a new contract.
Grant's status is trickier. He is more respected internally for his attitude than by supporters, and his quality was missed during his most recent injury absence.
However, having joined the club when they were in the Premier League, the 28‑year‑old is on a salary the Baggies can no longer justify.
Then there are the goalkeepers. Joe Wildsmith is the easiest call. Signed on a free in the summer of 2024 as back‑up to Alex Palmer, he was handed an opportunity after the academy graduate's January move to Ipswich last year.
He failed to grasp it, making a string of costly errors and ended the season on loan at Middlesbrough.
After Josh Griffiths' confidence suffered following multiple mistakes this season, Max O'Leary arrived on a short‑term deal from Bristol City vin January.
Despite an error on debut at Derby, the Republic of Ireland international went on to keep eight clean sheets, including five in a row.
Some have concerns over his height, but he has good Championship experience, his shot‑stopping is excellent and Albion would be wise to keep him.
