West Bromwich Albion has officially announced their retained and released list following the conclusion of the 2023-2024 season. Among the players released is Ruben Shakpoke, son of former Super Eagles defender Jero Shakpoke. Ruben Shakpoke joined West Brom last summer after a successful trial but will be departing the club as they opted not to trigger the twelve month extension on his contract, which expires on June 30, 2024.
Ruben, a striker, previously played for the academy teams of Norwich City and Aston Villa before joining West Brom. Despite being called up to train with the Young Lions in the past, his time with the Baggies did not secure him a long-term spot in the team.
West Brom’s decision follows their failure to secure promotion to the Premier League, having lost to Southampton in the playoff semifinals. The club will continue with Super Eagles players Semi Ajayi and Josh Maja, who have been retained for the upcoming season.
Editorial
The release of Ruben Shakpoke from West Bromwich Albion marks a significant moment for the young striker. As the son of former Super Eagles right back Jero Shakpoke, Ruben carries a legacy in football, and his journey highlights the challenges faced by young talents in securing their place in competitive teams.
Ruben’s departure from West Brom is a reminder of the harsh realities of professional football, where even promising players must continuously prove their worth. His experience at Norwich City and Aston Villa’s academies, followed by his stint at West Brom, has equipped him with valuable skills and exposure. However, the decision not to extend his contract underscores the need for perseverance and adaptability in his career.
For West Brom, the focus now shifts to rebuilding and preparing for another push towards Premier League promotion. Retaining key players like Semi Ajayi and Josh Maja indicates their strategy to maintain a strong core while potentially integrating new talents to bolster their squad. The management’s decisions reflect a broader strategy to balance immediate performance goals with long-term development.
Ruben Shakpoke’s next steps will be crucial. Whether he finds a new club or explores different opportunities within football, his journey will continue to be closely watched by those who recognize the potential and challenges faced by second generation footballers. His story serves as an inspiration and a cautionary tale for young athletes navigating the competitive landscape of professional sports.
Did You Know?
- Jero Shakpoke, Ruben’s father, was set to be Nigeria’s first choice right back for the 1998 World Cup but suffered a career threatening injury just before the tournament.
- West Bromwich Albion has a history of developing young talents through their academy, with several players progressing to professional football.
- Semi Ajayi, a current Super Eagles player, has been a consistent performer for West Brom and played a key role in their defensive lineup.
- Josh Maja, another Nigerian international, joined West Brom with significant experience from playing in France and England, contributing to the team’s offensive strategies.
- The transition period following a club’s failure to secure promotion often involves significant changes in squad composition, aiming to strengthen the team for future challenges.
